Biology STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) Practice Test

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Study for the Biology STAAR Test. Improve your skills with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question is accompanied by hints and explanations. Prepare for success!

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What is the focus of genetics?

  1. The study of protein structures

  2. The study of heredity

  3. The study of cell organelles

  4. The study of metabolic pathways

The correct answer is: The study of heredity

The focus of genetics is primarily on the study of heredity. This field explores how traits and characteristics are passed down from one generation to the next through genes, which are segments of DNA that carry information. It encompasses various concepts such as the mechanisms of inheritance, genetic variation, and the role of genes in development, behavior, and health. Genetics helps in understanding how living organisms inherit traits from their ancestors and how these traits can be influenced by environmental factors, leading to the study of interactions between genes and the environment. The other options pertain to different areas of study within biology. The study of protein structures involves understanding how proteins are formed and function, playing a crucial role in biochemistry rather than heredity. Examining cell organelles focuses on the various structures within cells and their functions, which is more related to cell biology. The study of metabolic pathways looks into the biochemical processes that occur within cells, which again diverges from the specific study of gene inheritance and expression that defines genetics.