Original Project
Reproduction, Genes, and Heredity
Genetic information in the form of DNA molecules is transferred from parents to offspring during reproduction.
Item RH058001: Children inherit half of the DNA in each of their cells from one parent, and half from the other parent.
In sexually reproducing organisms, such as humans, which of the following statements is TRUE about the DNA found in the cells of the children?
- All of the DNA in the cells of the children contains genetic information from just one of the parents.
- Half of the DNA in the cells of the children contains genetic information from one parent, and half of the DNA contains genetic information from the other parent.
- Some of the DNA in the cells of the children contains genetic information from each parent, but the amount of DNA containing information from each parent cannot be predicted.
- Most of the DNA in the cells of the sons contains genetic information from the father, and most of the DNA in the cells of the daughters contains genetic information from the mother.
- Distribution of Responses
- Students Responding Correctly
| Group | Correct | Total | Percent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 1346 | 2716 | 50% |
| Grades | |||
| 6–8 | 689 | 1521 | 45% |
| 9–12 | 656 | 1192 | 55% |
| Gender | |||
| Male | 640 | 1349 | 47% |
| Female | 687 | 1326 | 52% |
| Primary Language | |||
| English | 1209 | 2436 | 50% |
| Other | 96 | 198 | 48% |
- 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.