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IB Biology SL D3.2 Inheritance Question Bank

Practise IB Biology SL D3.2 by predicting inheritance from crosses and pedigrees while linking alleles, genotypes and phenotype.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Course
Biology SL
Level
SL

Exam points

  • use allele notation and Punnett grids to calculate genotype, phenotype and probability in genetic crosses
  • infer autosomal dominant, recessive or sex-linked inheritance from pedigrees and family genotypes
  • interpret continuous variation and box plots while separating polygenic and environmental effects

D3.2 Inheritance question 1

[Maximum number: 1]

For what reason do gametes contain only one allele of each gene?

A

To prevent inbreeding in a population

B

Haploid cells contain only one set of chromosomes

C

The two alleles of a gene are separated during mitosis

D

Crossing over will always produce one allele of a gene

D3.2 Inheritance question 2

[Maximum number: 3]

The dolichos bean (Lablab purpureus) is cultivated as a food crop in tropical countries. Leaf cells in L. purpureus have 24 chromosomes.

L. purpureus can have purple or white flowers. Two pure-breeding varieties were crossed: HA 4 with white flowers and GL 424 with purple flowers. All of the F1F_{1} plants had purple flowers. The F1F_{1} plants were self-pollinated to produce an F2F_{2} generation. There were 97 plants with purple flowers and 38 plants with white flowers in the F2F_{2} generation.

Using a Punnett grid, explain the results of this cross.

D3.2 Inheritance question 3

[Maximum number: 4]

Question (a)

(a)

Define the term genotype.

[ 1 ]

Question (b)

(b)

PKD (polycystic kidney disease) is an inherited disorder that causes the kidneys to become enlarged and lose function over time. PKD is caused by a dominant allele, D, which is not sex-linked.

The pedigree chart shows the inheritance of PKD in a family.

Figure for Question (b) — IB Biology SL
Figure for Question (b) — IB Biology SL
[ 3 ]

Question (i)

(i)

Calculate the probability of individuals 1 and 2 having a child with PKD.

[ 1 ]

Question (ii)

(ii)

Explain how the pedigree chart shows that the dominant allele causing PKD is not on the X chromosome.

[ 2 ]
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