CONCEPT MAP

Key Concepts: Key Vocabulary:

Traits

Heredity

Genes

Chromosomes

Sexual Reproduction

Asexual Reproduction

Genetic Recombination

Crossing over

Genes are inherited, but their expression can be modified by their environment.

Heredity is the passage of coded instructions from one generation to the next.

Topic:

Heredity and Genes

Hereditary information is contained in genes, located in the chromosomes of each cell.

In asexual reproduction all the genes come from a single parent producing identical offspring.

In sexual reproduction, the new individual gets half its genetic information from each parent.

Genetic Recombination produces unique genetic sequences that lead to evolution.

Examples:

Himalayan Rabbit and Peppered moth examples of environmental influences.

Create a diagram of DNA – gene - chromosomes

Paternity simulation lab activity

Diagram crossing over and the resulting genetic recombination.

Enduring Understanding (s): DNA is a molecule that is a coded set of instructions. A gene is a section of DNA that codes for the production of a single protein. A chromosome is a tightly packed coil of a complete DNA molecule. Inherited instructions are passed from parent to offspring. Asexual reproduction produces exact copies of cells while sexual reproduction allows for genetic variation.

Essential Question (s): Why don’t children look exactly like their parents? How is it possible for new and unique genetic combination to arise from preexisting genetic information?