Standards Correlations

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) Science - Biology

B.6A Identify components of DNA, and describe how information for specifying the traits of
an organism is carried in the DNA.
B.6B Recognize that components that make up the genetic code are common to all
organisms.
Prior Grade(s): Science Connection
7.14.C: Recognize that inherited traits of individuals are governed in the genetic material
found in the genes within the chromosomes in the nucleus.
English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS)
Learning Strategies: 1C - Use strategic learning techniques, such as concept mapping,
drawing, memorizing, comparing, contrasting, and reviewing to acquire basic and gradelevel vocabulary.
Listening: 2E - Use visual, contextual, and linguistic support to enhance and confirm
understanding of increasingly complex and elaborated spoken language.
Reading: 4F-Use visual and contextual support and support from peers and teachers to
read grade-appropriate content area text, enhance and confirm understanding, and
develop vocabulary, grasp of language structures, and background knowledge needed to
comprehend increasingly challenging language.
Student Expectation
The student is expected to identify components of DNA and describe how information for
specifying the traits of an organism is carried in the DNA AND recognize that the components
that make up the genetic code are common to all organisms.
Key Concepts

DNA has a double-helix structure that consists of two polynucleotide chains. A nucleotide
consists of a sugar molecule (deoxyribose in DNA) and a nitrogenous base (adenine,
cytosine, guanine, or thiamine). The nucleotides in each helix are held together by
phosphodiester bonds.
Genes are sections of DNA that carry genetic information. Genes are specific sequences of
nucleotides that provide the instructions for building functional proteins and RNAs. The
proteins encoded by genes determine the traits that an organism displays. The gene is the
basic unit of inheritance.
All living organisms have genes that are composed of nucleic acids made from the same
nitrogenous bases (adenine, guanine, cytosine, thymine, uracil). It is the combination of
these bases that determine an organisms traits.

Fundamental Questions

What are the components of DNA?

How does DNA carry information about the traits of an organism?
How is DNA condensed in order to fit inside cells?
Why is the genetic code common to all organisms?

ENGAGE - Students explore the structure of DNA by visiting stations and observing the
organizations of genetic material within an organism along with the repeating patterns

within a DNA molecule.

EXPLORE - Students compare the DNA structure of various organisms to understand the
similarities within the components of DNA in living organisms along with creating a brief timeline
of DNA discoveries.
EXPLAIN - Question Prompts
Question ideas and example student responses for each level of Blooms Taxonomy related to the
Explore activity.
Key Vocabulary and Question
ELABORATE Next Step Inquiry
A descriptive investigation for students to investigate the relationship between traits and genetic
makeup and compare and contrast how changes in DNA can affect the traits of a plant. Optional
Technology Connection.
Reading Science
Heredity Relates to Structure: Students read about the contribution of various scientists in the
discovery and development of the true structure of DNA along with the use of X-ray
crystallography to aid in the study and identification of the structure of DNA molecule. Lexile
1080L
Web Surfing Science
Students search provided internet resources for information on the structure of DNA, DNA coding,
manipulation, and genome, and the techniques used to make transgenic flies using a prepared
Web Treasure Hunt.
EVALUATE
Post-Assessment
A multiple-choice and open-ended response standards-based assessment based on readiness
and supporting standards with dual-coded questions.
Writing Science
Students look at a diagram of a DNA molecule, think about everyday examples that illustrate
DNA, and descriptively write about how information for specifying the traits of an organism is
carried in the DNA molecule using prompts.