AQA Biology Inheritance Revision Notes
Master AQA Biology Inheritance using simple revision notes, key facts and practice questions — all generated by AI for your exam.
Inheritance is the process by which genetic information is passed from parents to offspring. It explains how traits and characteristics are transmitted through generations via genes located on chromosomes.
Key Concepts
- 1Genes are segments of DNA that code for specific traits.
- 2Alleles are different versions of a gene that can produce variations in a trait.
- 3Dominant alleles mask the effect of recessive alleles in heterozygous individuals.
- 4Mendel's laws of inheritance describe how traits are inherited in predictable patterns.
- 5Punnett squares are used to predict the genotypes and phenotypes of offspring.
Simple Explanation
Inheritance is how traits are passed down from parents to their children through genes. Each gene can have different versions called alleles, which can be dominant or recessive. Dominant alleles will show their traits even if only one copy is present, while recessive alleles need two copies to show their traits. This process is why you might have similar features to your parents or siblings.
Memory Trick
“Remember 'DRA' for Dominant, Recessive, Alleles to keep in mind the key concepts of inheritance.”
Flashcards
What is a gene?
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Exam Questions
Describe and explain the process of inheritance using Mendel's pea plant experiments. [6 marks]
6 marksView mark scheme hint▾
Discuss dominant and recessive traits, homozygous and heterozygous conditions, and the resulting phenotypic ratios.
Explain how a Punnett square can be used to predict the outcome of genetic crosses. [4 marks]
4 marksView mark scheme hint▾
Include how to set up the square, what the genotypes represent, and how to interpret the results.
What is meant by the term 'genotype'? [2 marks]
2 marksView mark scheme hint▾
Define genotype and explain its relation to phenotype.
Practice Quiz
What is the term for different versions of a gene?
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