Science Assessment ~ Topics ~ Reproduction, Genes, and Heredity

Topic: Reproduction, Genes, and Heredity

Below is a list of key ideas related to Reproduction, Genes, and Heredity. Select a key idea to see the sub-ideas, assessment items, results from our field testing, student misconceptions, and NGSS statements for that idea.

Additional content related to this topic is available in the Evolution.

Genetic information is encoded in DNA molecules.

Every body cell of an individual organism (with a few exceptions) contains an identical set of DNA molecules and, therefore, contains identical genetic information.

Science Assessment

Topic: Reproduction, Genes, and Heredity

Genetic information is encoded in DNA molecules.

Every body cell of an individual organism (with a few exceptions) contains an identical set of DNA molecules and, therefore, contains identical genetic information.

Genetic information in the form of DNA molecules is transferred from parents to offspring during reproduction.

DNA molecules provide the cells with instructions for assembling protein molecules from amino acids.

The protein molecules an organism makes affect the organism’s physical traits, physiology, and behaviors.