ASIS International (ASIS) Professional Certified Investigator Practice Exam

How does the number of chromosomes inherited from each parent contribute to the genetic makeup of a child?

1. It determines the child's physical characteristics

2. It introduces genetic variability

3. It affects only the mother's traits

4. It limits the child's potential for genetic disorders

The correct answer is: It introduces genetic variability

The option indicating that the number of chromosomes inherited from each parent introduces genetic variability is correct because during the process of reproduction, each parent contributes half of the chromosomes to the offspring. Humans typically have 46 chromosomes, arranged in 23 pairs, with one chromosome of each pair coming from the mother and one from the father. This combination during fertilization results in a unique set of genes for the child, which means that the genetic material inherited from both parents can mix and match in various ways. As a result, the child may exhibit traits from both parents, leading to variations in physical characteristics, genotypes, and phenotypes. This genetic variability is crucial for evolution and adaptation within a population, as it provides a broader genetic pool that can lead to different expressions of traits. The other options do not accurately convey the comprehensive role that inherited chromosomes play in genetic diversity. For instance, while the physical characteristics of a child can be influenced by their genetic makeup, this is a more limited viewpoint than the broader concept of genetic variability introduced through the combination of chromosomes. Similarly, inheritance does not affect only traits from one parent; both parents contribute to the child's genetic traits. Lastly, while the number of chromosomes does play a role in genetic disorders, saying it limits