UNIT 7 SC.7.L.16.1HEREDITY

What is the basic unit of heredity that contains the instructions for an organism's traits?

• Chromosome

• Gene

• Cell

• Protein

Answer explanation

The basic unit of heredity is a gene, which contains the instructions for an organism's traits. Chromosomes are structures that carry genes, but the gene itself is the fundamental unit responsible for heredity.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS3-1

NGSS.MS-LS3-2

Where are genes located within a cell?

• In the cell membrane

• In the cytoplasm

• In the chromosomes

• In the ribosomes

Answer explanation

Genes are located in the chromosomes, which are structures within the cell nucleus that contain DNA. The other options do not house genes, making chromosomes the correct answer.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS3-1

What is the molecule that carries the genetic instructions in living organisms?

• RNA

• DNA

• Protein

• Lipid

Answer explanation

DNA is the molecule that carries the genetic instructions in living organisms, serving as the blueprint for development, functioning, and reproduction. RNA and proteins play roles in gene expression, but DNA is the primary carrier of genetic information.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS1-1

NGSS.HS-LS3-1

Which of the following is true about heredity?

• It involves the transmission of traits from one generation to another.

• It only occurs in plants.

• It is not related to DNA.

• It is a process that happens randomly.

Answer explanation

Heredity is the process through which traits are passed from parents to offspring, making the statement 'It involves the transmission of traits from one generation to another' the only accurate choice. The other options are incorrect.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS3-2

What structure in the cell contains the hereditary information?

• Mitochondria

• Nucleus

• Ribosome

• Golgi apparatus

Answer explanation

The nucleus is the cell structure that contains the hereditary information, specifically DNA, which carries the genetic instructions for the development and functioning of living organisms.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS3-1

Which of the following best describes a chromosome?

• A protein that speeds up chemical reactions

• A structure made of DNA and proteins

• A lipid that stores energy

• A carbohydrate that provides energy

Answer explanation

A chromosome is best described as a structure made of DNA and proteins. It carries genetic information and is essential for cell division, unlike proteins, lipids, or carbohydrates which serve different functions.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS3-1

What is the role of DNA in cells?

• To provide energy

• To store genetic information

• To transport nutrients

• To protect the cell

Answer explanation

DNA's primary role in cells is to store genetic information, which is essential for the development, functioning, and reproduction of all living organisms. It serves as the blueprint for building proteins and regulating cellular activities.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-2

NGSS.MS-LS3-1

How is hereditary information passed from parents to offspring?

• Through environmental factors

• Through genes

• Through learned behaviors

• Through diet

Answer explanation

Hereditary information is passed from parents to offspring through genes, which are segments of DNA that carry genetic instructions. Environmental factors, learned behaviors, and diet do not directly transmit hereditary traits.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS3-2

Which of the following is a function of genes?

• To control the cell's energy production

• To determine the traits of an organism

• To digest food

• To transport oxygen

Answer explanation

Genes are responsible for determining the traits of an organism by encoding the information needed for the development and functioning of that organism. The other options relate to processes influenced by genes but are not direct functions of genes.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS3-1

What is the relationship between DNA and chromosomes?

• DNA is a type of chromosome

• Chromosomes are made of DNA

• DNA and chromosomes are unrelated

• Chromosomes create DNA

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'Chromosomes are made of DNA' because chromosomes are structures within cells that contain DNA. DNA is the genetic material, and it is organized into chromosomes during cell division.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS3-1