Original Project
Reproduction, Genes, and Heredity
The protein molecules an organism makes affect the organism’s physical traits, physiology, and behaviors.
Item RH023005: Both an insect's physical characteristics and its behaviors could be influenced by the actions of protein molecules within the insect's cells.
Many different types of protein molecules are made within cells of an organism such as an insect. Which of the following could be influenced by the actions of those protein molecules?
- Both an insect's physical characteristics and its behaviors
- An insect’s physical characteristics but not its behaviors
- An insect’s behaviors but not its physical characteristics
- Neither an insect’s physical characteristics nor its behaviors
- Distribution of Responses
- Students Responding Correctly
| Group | Correct | Total | Percent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 431 | 1096 | 39% |
| Grades | |||
| 6–8 | 236 | 594 | 40% |
| 9–12 | 195 | 499 | 39% |
| Gender | |||
| Male | 197 | 542 | 36% |
| Female | 225 | 535 | 42% |
| Primary Language | |||
| English | 397 | 998 | 40% |
| Other | 26 | 66 | 39% |
- 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.