Original Project
Reproduction, Genes, and Heredity
Genetic information is encoded in DNA molecules.
Item RH024002: Both an organism's physical characteristics and the function of the organism's cells could be affected by the information in the organism's DNA molecules (no specific organism identified).
Which of the following could be affected by the information in the DNA molecules of an organism?
- Both an organism's physical characteristics and the function of the organism's cells
- An organism's physical characteristics but not the function of the organism's cells
- The function of the organism's cells but not the organism's physical characteristics
- Neither an organism's physical characteristics nor the function of the organism's cells
- Distribution of Responses
- Students Responding Correctly
| Group | Correct | Total | Percent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 1388 | 2899 | 48% |
| Grades | |||
| 6–8 | 753 | 1669 | 45% |
| 9–12 | 634 | 1227 | 52% |
| Gender | |||
| Male | 627 | 1407 | 45% |
| Female | 737 | 1440 | 51% |
| Primary Language | |||
| English | 1282 | 2636 | 49% |
| Other | 85 | 205 | 41% |
- Disciplinary Core Ideas
- LS3.A Genes are located in the chromosomes of cells, with each chromosome pair containing two variants of each of many distinct genes. Each distinct gene chiefly controls the production of specific proteins, which in turn affects the traits of the individual. Changes (mutations) to genes can result in changes to proteins, which can affect the structures and functions of the organism and thereby change traits.
- NRC Framework
- LS3.A In effect, proteins build an organism’s identifiable traits.