Original Project
Reproduction, Genes, and Heredity
Genetic information in the form of DNA molecules is transferred from parents to offspring during reproduction.
Item RH047001: In sexually reproducing organisms such as humans, 50% of the DNA in each of the daughter's body cells is from her father.
In sexually reproducing organisms, such as humans, which of the following is TRUE about the DNA in each of the body cells (any cell in the body except a sex cell) of a daughter and her father?
- Less than 50% of the DNA in each of the daughter’s body cells is from her father.
- Exactly 50% of the DNA in each of the daughter’s body cells is from her father.
- More than 50% of the DNA in each of the daughter’s body cells is from her father.
- Each type of body cell in the daughter contains a different amount of DNA from her father.
- Distribution of Responses
- Students Responding Correctly
| Group | Correct | Total | Percent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 669 | 1806 | 37% |
| Grades | |||
| 6–8 | 327 | 1079 | 30% |
| 9–12 | 342 | 727 | 47% |
| Gender | |||
| Male | 331 | 865 | 38% |
| Female | 325 | 908 | 36% |
| Primary Language | |||
| English | 613 | 1636 | 37% |
| Other | 41 | 143 | 29% |
- Disciplinary Core Ideas
- LS1.A All cells contain genetic information in the form of DNA molecules. Genes are regions in the DNA that contain the instructions that code for the formation of proteins, which carry out most of the work of cells.
- NRC Framework
- MS LS3.B In sexually reproducing organisms, each parent contributes half of the genes acquired (at random) by the offspring. Individuals have two of each chromosome and hence two alleles of each gene, one acquired from each parent. These versions may be identical or may differ from each other.