Genes and Mutations MS-LS3-1

Grade 8 - NGSS - CA

An alternate form of a gene for a specific trait

Allele

An alternate form of a gene for a specific trait is called an allele. In Grade 8 science, an allele is like a different version of a gene that determines a specific characteristic, like eye color.

A structure made of DNA that contains genetic material

Chromosome

A structure made of DNA that contains genetic material. Chromosome. In simple terms, a chromosome is like a cookbook that holds recipes genes for making an organism.

Deoxyribonucleic acid or ‘DNA’, carries an organism's genetic information

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid or 'DNA', carries an organism's genetic information. DNA is like a set of instructions that tells your body how to grow and work.

The part of a chromosome that contains the DNA for a specific trait

Gene

The part of a chromosome that contains the DNA for a specific trait is called a gene. A gene is like a set of instructions that tells our body how to make certain traits, such as hair color or eye color.

An agent that can cause DNA mutations, like radioactivity

Mutagen

An agent that can cause DNA mutations, like radioactivity. Mutagen. A mutagen is something that can change the genetic material of a living organism.

A change in a cell’s DNA

Mutation

A change in a cells DNA. Mutation. A mutation is a change in the genetic material that can affect how a living thing develops and functions.

A gene mutation caused by a change in a single DNA base pair

Point mutation

A gene mutation caused by a change in a single DNA base pair. Point mutation. A point mutation is when one letter in the DNA code is changed, which can sometimes affect how a trait is expressed.