ATI TEAS Science Practice Test Related

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What is a gene, and what is the relationship between genes, genotype, and phenotype?

  • A. A gene is a sequence of amino acids; genes make up proteins; genotype determines phenotype
  • B. A gene is a portion of DNA; genes determine traits; genotype is the genetic makeup; phenotype is the physical manifestation
  • C. A gene is a protein; proteins determine traits; genotype is the set of all genes
  • D. A gene is a lipid; lipids determine traits; phenotype is the physical manifestation
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A gene is a portion of DNA that contains the instructions for a specific trait. Genotype refers to the genetic makeup of an organism, encompassing all its genes. Phenotype, on the other hand, is the observable physical manifestation resulting from the interaction between an organism's genotype and environmental factors. Choice A is incorrect because genes do not consist of amino acids directly; they are sequences of nucleotides. Choice C is incorrect as genes do not determine traits directly but provide the instructions for proteins that may influence traits. Choice D is incorrect as genes are not lipids, and lipids do not determine traits; they are a type of biomolecule with different functions.