Genetics

Mutation and sexual reproduction lead to genetic variation in a population. As a
basis for understanding this concept:
a. Students know meiosis is an early step in sexual reproduction in which the pairs
of chromosomes separate and segregate randomly during cell division to produce
gametes containing one chromosome of each type.
b. Students know only certain cells in a multicellular organism undergo meiosis.
c. Students know how random chromosome segregation explains the probability
that a particular allele will be in a gamete.
d. Students know new combinations of alleles may be generated in a zygote through
the fusion of male and female gametes (fertilization).
e. Students know why approximately half of an individual’s DNA sequence comes
from each parent.
f. Students know the role of chromosomes in determining an individual’s sex.
g. Students know how to predict possible combinations of alleles in a zygote from
the genetic makeup of the parents.