Quizzes

What Do You Know About Genetics?

These 12 questions will challenge your understanding of how genes shape the living world.

Shai K. 2/3/2025

Genetics is the blueprint of life, influencing everything from your eye color to your risk for certain diseases. Whether you’re fascinated by DNA, inheritance patterns, or evolutionary biology, this quiz will put your knowledge to the test. From dominant and recessive traits to groundbreaking discoveries in the field, these 12 questions will challenge your understanding of how genes shape the living world. Do you have what it takes to unravel the mysteries of genetics? Let’s find out!

In humans, what is the total number of chromosomes in a normal somatic cell?

What is the term for a physical or biochemical characteristic expressed by an organism?

Genotype

Allele

Phenotype

Chromosome

What are telomeres?

The coding regions of DNA

The ends of chromosomes that protect genetic material

The segments of RNA that leave the nucleus

The middle part of a chromosome

What does polygenic inheritance mean?

A trait controlled by a single gene

A mutation that affects multiple traits

A trait controlled by multiple genes

A gene that is found in multiple species

What is the purpose of CRISPR-?

To replicate RNA

To cut and edit DNA sequences

To block gene expression

To create new chromosomes D)

What is the difference between meiosis and mitosis?

Meiosis results in four non-identical cells, while mitosis produces two identical cells

Meiosis occurs in all body cells, mitosis only in reproductive cells

Mitosis creates genetic variation, meiosis does not

There is no difference

Which genetic disorder is caused by an extra chromosome?

Turner syndrome

Klinefelter syndrome

Down syndrome

Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Which type of RNA is responsible for carrying genetic information from the nucleus to the ribosome?

tRNA

rRNA

mRNA

snRNA

What is the probability that two heterozygous parents (Aa) will have a child with a recessive phenotype (aa)?

25%

50%

75%

Who is known as the "Father of Genetics"?

Gregor Mendel

Charles Darwin

James Watson

Rosalind Franklin

Which of the following base pairs are found in DNA?

A–C, G–T

A–U, C–G

A–T, C–G

A–G, C–T

What is the term for a variant form of a gene?

Allele

Chromatid

Phenotype

Codon

More to learn...

Genetics might not be your strong suit—yet! DNA, genes, and inheritance can be complex, but the good news is that it’s never too late to learn. Whether it’s brushing up on Mendelian traits or exploring how genetic mutations influence evolution, there’s a fascinating world waiting for you. Don’t be discouraged—science is all about curiosity, and now you have the perfect excuse to dive deeper into the wonders of genetics!

Knowledgeable

You’ve got a solid grasp of genetics, but there’s still room to grow. You understand the basics of inheritance, DNA structure, and mutations, but some of the trickier concepts may have tripped you up. A quick refresher on Punnett squares or the latest advancements in genetic research could boost your knowledge. Keep learning—you’re on the right track, and genetics is a field with endless discoveries!

Genetics Savant

You’re a genetics whiz! Whether you’ve studied the subject formally or just have a deep curiosity about DNA and inheritance, your knowledge is impressive. You understand how traits are passed down, the significance of genetic mutations, and the role of DNA in evolution. Scientists like Gregor Mendel and Rosalind Franklin would be proud! Keep exploring this fascinating field—there’s always more to learn, from CRISPR technology to epigenetics.