Original Project
Reproduction, Genes, and Heredity
Genetic information in the form of DNA molecules is transferred from parents to offspring during reproduction.
Item RH055001: In sexually reproducing organisms such as humans, half of a child's DNA comes from each of the parents.
In sexually reproducing organisms, such as humans, which of the following statements is TRUE about the DNA that is passed from parents to children?
- All of the DNA comes from one of the parents.
- Half of the DNA comes from each of the parents.
- Some of the DNA comes from each of the parents, but the amount that comes from each parent cannot be predicted.
- Sons receive most of their DNA from their fathers, and daughters receive most of their DNA from their mothers.
- Distribution of Responses
- Students Responding Correctly
| Group | Correct | Total | Percent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 886 | 1796 | 49% |
| Grades | |||
| 6–8 | 471 | 1075 | 44% |
| 9–12 | 415 | 721 | 58% |
| Gender | |||
| Male | 430 | 862 | 50% |
| Female | 435 | 901 | 48% |
| Primary Language | |||
| English | 799 | 1628 | 49% |
| Other | 76 | 141 | 54% |
- 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.