1. 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.

2. Nucleus Inherited Traits 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

3. Chromosomes Inherited Traits
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.

4. 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

5. Genes Inherited Traits 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.
Gene

6. 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.
This activity is a quick break from taking notes.

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

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

9. Acquired Traits Inherited 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

10. Check for Understanding
Can you…
Recognize inherited traits?
Explain how genetic material found in genes governs inherited traits?
Clear up any confusion and answer questions.