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Science·Ecosystems & Habitats·conceptual

Chromosomes, Genes & DNA

Describe the relationship between chromosomes, genes, and DNA in heredity, including the double helix structure of DNA and the historical roles of Watson, Crick, Franklin, and Wilkins

Suggested ages 12–13

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Evidence of understanding

  • Explains the hierarchy: DNA → gene → chromosome → nucleus → cell
  • Describes what a gene is and what it codes for
  • States that human body cells contain 46 chromosomes in 23 pairs
  • Describes the contributions of Watson, Crick, Franklin, and Wilkins to the discovery of DNA structure

Assessment prompt

If Chromosomes, Genes & DNA was asked what DNA actually is and where it is in the body, could they explain the relationship between DNA, genes, and chromosomes — and say roughly how many chromosomes a human cell has?

Standards alignment

MS-LS3-1US · ngss-ms

MS-LS3-1

Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Middle School

KS3.Sci.Bio.Adaptation.5GB · uk-nc-2013

Model of chromosomes, genes and DNA

The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · KS3