9 Genetic Material
Big Ideas
- Traits are determined by GENETIC and ENVIRONMENTAL factors.
- There are PATTERNS in the way genetic information is STORED, EXPRESSED, and PASSED ON.
Big Questions
- What are the patterns in these processes?
- What are the outcomes of these processes?
- How can understanding these patterns help us determine what factors are genetic and which are not?
- What is the difference between DNA and RNA?
- Why do organisms have so many similarities, and yet so many differences?
- Where do organisms get their traits?
Genetics
All living things have genetic material that is structured in a similar pattern across species that helps organisms to perform necessary functions related particularly to passing traits from one generation to the next (figure 21). Humans can utilize information about genetic material to identify organisms and ailments. Genetic material is held in six main structures that work together to complete multiple functions.
Figure 21: Genetic Material Structures
| Structures | Functions |
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Interaction
Click here to interact with genetic material. While interacting with DNA ask yourself these questions:
- How does the structure of the DNA relate to its function?
- What makes DNA an important part of living organisms?
Genetic Structures
How does this connect to the NGSS Progression
DCI: LS1 A: Structure and Function: Science concepts start macro in grade band K-2 and 3-5 as students compare and contrast external structures across species and then what can be internal structures related to their functions across species. Students use this concept base to help them make connections as they dive into micro structures and their functions in grade band 6-8.
| K-2 | 3-5 | 6-8 | |
| LS1.A Structure and function | All organisms have external parts that they use to perform daily functions. | Organisms have both internal and external macroscopic structures that allow for growth, survival, behavior, and reproduction. | All living things are made up of cells. In organisms, cells work together to form tissues and organs that are specialized for particular body functions. |
Implementation into the Classroom
DNA paper models – students engage with developing DNA models from memory as they use basic shapes. Split the students into two groups, plant DNA and animal DNA. Encourage students to work with partners to construct the DNA molecule. Then have groups compare with each other. Provide students expert books for them to compare their designs to.
Chickens and Humans – show students images of a chicken and a human. Ask students what they notice about the structures that are on both organisms. Keep track on the board of what students say in two columns, one for structure and function. Have students compare the functions across species to help them see the relationships. For example, chicken feet look much different than human feet (structure), but their functions are similar (walking/running).
Cell Types- provide students with an