7th Grade Science

Studying life science, physical science, and Earth science integration.

Cells and Living SystemsMatter and Its PropertiesEarth’s Structure and Systems
Genetics and HeredityForces, Motion, and EnergyCycles in Nature
Scientific InvestigationsEnvironmental StewardshipConnecting Science to Everyday Life
Active Note-TakingPractice with Real-World Problems
Cells and Living Sys...Matter and Its Prope...Earth’s Structure an...Genetics and Heredit...Forces, Motion, and ...Cycles in NatureScientific Investiga...Environmental Stewar...Connecting Science t...Active Note-TakingPractice with Real-W...
Advanced Topics

Genetics and Heredity

How Traits Are Passed Down

Genetics is the study of how traits, like eye color or height, are passed from parents to offspring. DNA, found in the nucleus of cells, carries instructions for building and maintaining living things.

Genes and Chromosomes

  • Genes: Segments of DNA that control specific traits.
  • Chromosomes: Structures made of DNA; humans have 23 pairs.

Dominant and Recessive Traits

Some traits are dominant (they show up if at least one parent passes them on), while others are recessive (they only show up if both parents pass them on).

Real-Life Importance

Understanding genetics helps solve crimes, treat diseases, and improve agriculture.

Examples

  • You might have brown eyes because the gene for brown eyes is dominant.

  • Some genetic diseases are only inherited if both parents carry the gene.

In a Nutshell

Genetics explains how traits are inherited and why we resemble our families.

Key Terms

Gene
A section of DNA that codes for a trait.
Chromosome
A structure made of DNA that contains genes.
DNA
The molecule that stores genetic information.
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Forces, Motion, and Energy