Which of the following statements about heredity is not true? In heredity the traits are

Analyze the question: We are asked to find the statement about heredity that is NOT true. So we test each option and pick the false one.

Concept: Heredity is the passing of characteristics (traits) from parents to offspring. This happens through genes, which are located on chromosomes. Genes are carried in the gametes: the sperm (from the father) and the ovum (from the mother). At fertilisation, the sperm and ovum fuse to form a zygote, which receives genetic material from both parents.

Check each option:

• A. Carried by genes: True. Genes are the units of heredity.
• B. Contained in the ovum and sperm: True. The gametes carry the genes from each parent to the offspring.
• C. Always transmitted by one parent: False. Traits are inherited from both parents, not just one. The zygote gets half of its chromosomes from the mother (ovum) and half from the father (sperm). The word "always" also makes the statement wrong.
• D. Transmitted from parents to offspring: True. This is the very definition of heredity.

Answer: The statement that is not true is C.

Tip: In "which is NOT true" questions, watch for absolute words like always, never, only, all. They often signal the false statement. Also remember: a child gets 50% of its genes from the mother and 50% from the father, so heredity is never from one parent alone.