Microbiology: A Systems Approach
Microbiology: A Systems Approach
5th Edition
ISBN: 9781259706615
Author: Marjorie Kelly Cowan Professor
Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education
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Chapter 9, Problem 1MCQ

What is the smallest unit of heredity?

  1. a. chromosome
  2. b. gene
  3. c. codon
  4. d. nucleotide
Expert Solution & Answer
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Summary Introduction

Introduction:

Heredity is defined as the transfer of genetic material from parents to offspring. DNA is the genetic material that carries all the information needed for growth, development, reproduction of organisms.

Answer to Problem 1MCQ

Correct answer:

Gene is the smallest unit of heredity. Therefore, option (b) is correct.

Option (b) is given as “gene”.

Explanation of Solution

Justify reason for the correct statement:

Genes are the smallest and basic unit of heredity as they carry genetic information which is required for growth, development, and reproduction of organisms. The hereditary characters pass from one generation to another generation through the genes. Gene codes for specific proteins that form phenotypic characteristics of organisms.

Hence, option (b) is correct.

Justify reasons for the incorrect statements:

Option (a) is given as “chromosome”.

Chromosome is a thread-like structure found in the nucleus of cell that contains genetic material. Hence, it is a wrong answer.

Option (c) is given as “codon”.

Codon is a nucleotide sequence of either DNA or RNA that codes for specific amino acid and it arranged in triplets. Hence, it is a wrong answer.

Option (d) is given as “nucleotide”.

A nucleotide sequence consists of 5-carbon sugar, one phosphate group, and nitrogenous bases and it serves as a building block of nucleic acid. Hence, it is a wrong answer.

Hence, options (a), (c) and (d) are incorrect.

Conclusion

A gene is the smallest unit of heredity as it carries all genetic information that may transfer from one generation to another.

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Microbiology: A Systems Approach

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