Genes and Traits Assignment

Use your knowledge of genes and traits to answer the following questions.
1. On the diagram below, label the cell, DNA, chromosome, nucleus, and gene in the blank boxes
next to each part of the image.
Cell

Nucleus

Chromosome

Gene

DNA

2. Answer each of the following questions in a complete sentence.

a. How are proteins important for life?

They provide structure to all cells, and are required for growth and maintaining healthy
tissues.
b. How are genes and proteins related?
Genes contain codes to make protiens.

c. How are genes and DNA related?

They are both from the parents.

d. From where did your genes originate?

Half from mom and half from dad.

e. How are genes “stored” inside the cell?

In the Nucleus.
3. Which traits did you inherit from each parent? For each trait below, decide if you inherited it
from your mom, dad, or a combination of both. Then explain your answer. If you aren’t sure
about traits from a parent, you may just include traits from one parent, or you can also interview
a friend for this activity instead!

Trait Mom, Dad, or Both? Explanation

Dad My moms eyes are hazel and my
dads eyes are blue/green. My
eyes are blue/green

eye color

Mom Dads hair is blonde and moms

hair is brown.

My hair is brown

hair color

Mom The Doctor said that I will be

around 5"6'or 5"7' and my mom is
5"6' 1/2

height

Dad My dad and I have the same nose

type small

shape of nose