Inherited Traits How are traits passed When organisms

Inherited Traits How are traits passed? • When organisms reproduce, traits are passed from parent to offspring. • It all begins in the organisms’ cells. • Cells are the basic building blocks of all living things. • Cells contain the body’s hereditary material and can make copies of themselves.

Inherited Traits Nucleus • A small egg-shaped structure inside the cell • Acts like the brain of the cell • It tells every part of the cell what to do. • It contains chromosomes and genes. • Stores the cells hereditary material or DNA

Inherited Traits Chromosomes • Thread-like structures that are found in the nucleus of a cell that contains all DNA. • Each chromosome is made of protein and a single molecule of DNA. • Comes in matching sets of two • Human cell nucleus contains 46 chromosomes or 23 pairs. • Half of these chromosomes come from one parent and half come from the other parent.

Inherited Traits DNA • Molecule that carries the genetic instructions for all living organisms. • Short for deoxyribonucleic acid • Contains the specific instructions that make each type of living creature unique. • Determines how the cells in a body will function

Inherited Traits Genes • Genes determine traits. • A stretch of DNA on a chromosome with instructions for one trait. • Like chromosomes, genes also come in pairs. • Each parent has two copies of each of their genes. • Each parent passes along just one copy to make up the genes of the offspring. Gen e

Quick Action – Inherited Traits • Stand up and find a partner to work with. • Make a Venn diagram for the similarities and differences between DNA and genes.

Quick Action – Inherited Traits Write About 1. Make a list in order from largest to smallest of the 4 cell parts you just learned about. 2. Think it through. Which one is inside the other? 3. Make a quick sketch in your notebook showing this order.

Inherited Traits Cell contains the nucleus. Nucleus contains the chromosomes. Chromosomes contains the DNA contains the Gene.

Inherited Traits Acquired Traits • Physical characteristic of an organism • Not passed down to offspring genetically • Is a learned trait • Is a product of the environment’s influence on the organism

Check for Understanding Can you… 1. Recognize inherited traits? 2. Explain how genetic material found in genes governs inherited traits?