Original Project
Reproduction, Genes, and Heredity
Genetic information in the form of DNA molecules is transferred from parents to offspring during reproduction.
Item RH048001: 100% of a son's body cells contain some DNA from his mother.
In sexually reproducing organisms, such as humans, which of the following is TRUE about how many of a son’s body cells (any cell in the body except a sex cell) contain DNA from his mother?
- A little less than 50% of a son’s body cells contain some DNA from his mother.
- 50% of a son’s body cells contain some DNA from his mother.
- A little more than 50% of a son’s body cells contain some DNA from his mother.
- 100% of a son’s body cells contain some DNA from his mother.
- Distribution of Responses
- Students Responding Correctly
| Group | Correct | Total | Percent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 223 | 1443 | 15% |
| Grades | |||
| 6–8 | 116 | 962 | 12% |
| 9–12 | 107 | 481 | 22% |
| Gender | |||
| Male | 105 | 684 | 15% |
| Female | 111 | 734 | 15% |
| Primary Language | |||
| English | 193 | 1245 | 16% |
| Other | 24 | 159 | 15% |
- 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.