(a) Define the following terms: (i) gene (ii) gene mutation. (b) Name two structures each of plants and animals where the following processes take place: (i) mitosis (ii) meiosis. (c) State four advantages a farmer may hope to derive in cross breeding two different breeds of cows. (d) State three applications of the knowledge of genetics in medicine.
Explanation
(a)(i) Genes; are hereditary units/materials located on the chromosomes through which characters are transmitted from parents to offspring. (ii) Gene mutation; is a spontaneous/sudden/unpredictable change in an individual gene which is persistent/ permanent/irreversible/heritable. (b) The structures in plants and animals where mitosis and meiosis take place are listed below: (i) Mitosis in plants: Root tip/stem apex; stem tip/ apex; cambium; meristems. Mitosis in animals: Skin; damaged tissue; bone marrow; somatic cells/ wounded area of the body (e.g. skin). (ii) Meiosis in plants: Ovaries; anthers. Meiosis in animals: Ovaries; testes. (c) Advantages of cross breeding two different breeds of cows are: (i) Increased milk production. (ii) Increased meat production/improved weight. (iii) Resistance to diseases in the offspring. (iv) Early maturity. (v) Increased fecundity/reproductive capacity. (d) Applications of genetics to medicine: (i) Prevention of hereditary diseases. (ii) Determination of the paternity of a child by use of DNN blood group. (iii) Blood transfusion. (iv) Production of insulin (to treat diabetes).