Biology II Genetics · Transmission of Heritable Information
Virginia SOL GEN.4
Virginia SOL GEN.4 is part of the Transmission of Heritable Information strand in Biology II Genetics (Science). Under this Standards of Learning objective, students investigate how heritable information is transmitted and contributes to genetic diversity. Below is what GEN.4 covers in plain language, the specific skills it is assessed on, the key concepts to review, and how to practice GEN.4 for the Virginia SOL test.
What SOL GEN.4 means
Investigate how heritable information is transmitted and contributes to genetic diversity.
Skills you’ll practice for GEN.4
- Develop and use a model to explain how processes during sexual reproduction (crossing over, independent assortment, and random gamete combinations) increase genetic diversity.
- Use models to identify abnormalities in chromosome number and/or structure and hypothesize what meiotic events would result in those changes.
- Develop and use a model to explain how nondisjunction can affect chromosome number in gametes.
- Compare sources of diversity in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
- Make, support, and evaluate a claim about causes of inheritable genetic variations, including genetic disorders.
Key concepts covered by GEN.4
- sexual reproduction
- crossing over
- independent assortment
- gamete combination
- genetic diversity
- chromosome abnormalities
- chromosome structure
- meiosis
- karyotype analysis
- nondisjunction
- chromosome number
- gamete formation
- meiosis errors
- aneuploidy
- prokaryotes
- eukaryotes
- horizontal gene transfer
- inheritable genetic variation
- genetic disorders
- mutation
- genetic recombination
- inheritance patterns
How to study and practice SOL GEN.4
Start with a quick diagnostic to see whether GEN.4 is already solid, then work each skill above with guided notes, flashcards, and SOL-style practice questions. For official released items, see our Virginia SOL practice tests guide and how to study for the SOL test.
Frequently asked questions about SOL GEN.4
What is Virginia SOL GEN.4?
SOL GEN.4 is a Biology II Genetics Standard of Learning in the Transmission of Heritable Information strand. It expects students to investigate how heritable information is transmitted and contributes to genetic diversity.
What skills does SOL GEN.4 cover?
SOL GEN.4 is assessed on 5 skills: develop and use a model to explain how processes during sexual reproduction (crossing over, independent assortment, and random gamete combinations) increase genetic diversity; use models to identify abnormalities in chromosome number and/or structure and hypothesize what meiotic events would result in those changes; develop and use a model to explain how nondisjunction can affect chromosome number in gametes; compare sources of diversity in prokaryotes and eukaryotes; make, support, and evaluate a claim about causes of inheritable genetic variations, including genetic disorders.
What strand of Biology II Genetics is SOL GEN.4 in?
SOL GEN.4 belongs to the Transmission of Heritable Information reporting strand of the Biology II Genetics Virginia Standards of Learning.
How do I study and practice for SOL GEN.4?
Start with a diagnostic to see whether GEN.4 is already solid, then work the 5 skills above with guided notes, flashcards, and SOL-style practice questions. For official released items, see the Virginia SOL practice tests guide.