Which term means the passing on of characteristics from parents to offspring by means of genes?

Which term means the passing on of characteristics from parents to offspring by means of genes?

• A. Genetic screening
• B. Heredity
• C. Alleles
• D. mRNA

Answer: (B)

The idea being tested is how traits are transmitted from one generation to the next through genetic material. Heredity is the process by which genetic information is passed from parents to offspring, and it explains why offspring often resemble their parents. Genes, located on chromosomes, carry the instructions for making traits, and offspring inherit a mix of these genes from both parents, which shapes inherited characteristics. While the environment can influence how those traits are expressed, the fundamental concept of passing on traits through genes is what heredity describes. Genetic screening, on the other hand, is a test to look for particular genes or chromosomal changes; alleles are the different versions of a gene; and mRNA is the molecule that carries information from DNA to ribosomes to guide protein synthesis, not the transfer of traits between generations.

The idea being tested is how traits are transmitted from one generation to the next through genetic material. Heredity is the process by which genetic information is passed from parents to offspring, and it explains why offspring often resemble their parents. Genes, located on chromosomes, carry the instructions for making traits, and offspring inherit a mix of these genes from both parents, which shapes inherited characteristics. While the environment can influence how those traits are expressed, the fundamental concept of passing on traits through genes is what heredity describes.

Genetic screening, on the other hand, is a test to look for particular genes or chromosomal changes; alleles are the different versions of a gene; and mRNA is the molecule that carries information from DNA to ribosomes to guide protein synthesis, not the transfer of traits between generations.