Gene mutations

SB3j Homework 1

Name Class Date

1 Some inherited characteristics are controlled by single genes, others are caused by multiple genes.
a Circle the characteristic that is controlled by a single gene:

eye colour height cystic fibrosis skin colour

a Are most human characteristics controlled by single genes or multiple genes?

2 The Human Genome Project was completed in 2003. Circle the letter that shows the main aim of this
project:
A to name all the human genes
B to map all the human genes that cause disease
C to map all the base pairs in one human genome
D to define what is meant by the human genome.
3 Comparing different human genomes shows that there may be differences caused by mistakes made when
the DNA is copied during cell division. What is the name for this kind of mistake in DNA?

4 Although there are differences in the DNA between different people, the people may look very similar.
Explain why.

5 The table shows some results of a genome test for one person. Clopidogrel, simvastatin and warfarin are
medicines that a doctor may give a patient to treat some diseases. Information from a genome test can help
the doctor decide how to treat a patient.

a Which of these drugs might the doctor decide not to give the patient because it may not work well?

b Explain your answer to part a.

c Describe one other way that information from genomes could help in medicine.