HMH Science Dimensions
Biology
Unit 7: Genetics and Heredity
Unit 7
Genetics and Heredity
Proteins like Cas9 can be used to edit DNA.
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Unit 7
Genetics and Heredity
Proteins can be used to edit DNA through a process
called gene editing, which involves a few steps:
1.Target: A protein is programmed to find a specific DNA
sequence.
2.Break: The protein creates a break in the DNA at the
target location.
3.Correct: The gene editing technology can correct the
mutation by turning a gene on or off, or by providing a
new DNA sequence to repair the mutation.
4.Build: The newly edited gene tells the body how to build
Proteins
proteins, which may changelike
howCas9
the can befunctions.
body used to edit
DNA. It's an RNA-based system that's
easier to modify than protein-based
approaches.
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Unit 7
Genetics and Heredity.
Children inherit traits from
each of their parents.
A trait is a specific
characteristic of an
organism that is
determined by its
genes,
environment, or a
combination of
both. Traits can be
qualitative, like eye
color, or
quantitative, like
height or blood
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Unit 7
Genetics and Heredity.
Why do you think
siblings don't look
exactly the same if all
of their DNA comes
from the same mother
and father?
Even though siblings share
the same parents
because each child receives
a unique combination of
genes from their parents
during fertilization, inheriting
Children inherit traits from a random mix of their
mother and father's DNA,
each of their parents. not an identical copy; this is
why siblings can have
different appearances
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despite sharing the same
Unit 7
Driving Questions
As you move through the unit, gather evidence to help you
answer the following questions:
1. How are traits passed from parents to offspring?
2. Why do the offspring of two parents all look different
from each other?
3. How does diversity in traits arise over generations?
4. How can we determine the probability that an
organism's expressed version of a trait will be passed
to its offspring?
5. Can scientists alter the genetic material of other
organisms? How might humans use this ability?
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Unit 7
Unit Project
Investigating the Heredity of Disease
Many traits and conditions can arise from either genetic
or environmental causes. Explore the heredity of
Huntington's disease. Based on your analysis, determine
the likely cause or causes of Huntington's disease and the
role that genetic or environmental factors may play.
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Unit 7
Unit Review
Synthesize the Unit
Make a concept map, other graphic organizer, or outline
using the Study Guides you made for each lesson in this
unit. Be sure to use evidence to support your claims.
When synthesizing individual information, remember to
follow these general steps:
• Find the central idea of each piece of information.
• Think about the relationships among the central ideas.
Combine the ideas to come up with a new understanding.
