--- title: 8.MS-LS3-3 (MA) description: 8.MS-LS3-3 (MA) Communicate through writing and in diagrams that chromosomes contain many distinct genes and that each gene holds the instructions for the production of specific proteins, which in turn affects the traits of an individual. image: https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/Right%20Image.png --- [![Teacher Login](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/347944/f56bee57-133e-4975-8055-799f1f23588b.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/347944/f56bee57-133e-4975-8055-799f1f23588b) [Teacher Login](https://app.knowatom.com/signin) [![KnowAtom Logo](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/KnowAtom%20Logo.svg "KnowAtom Logo")](https://www.knowatom.com/) # 8.MS-LS3-3 (MA) Communicate through writing and in diagrams that chromosomes contain many distinct genes and that each gene holds the instructions for the production of specific proteins, which in turn affects the traits of an individual. [![Download a Sample Unit](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/347944/20eee377-e175-48fe-a039-ae723137a2a6.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/347944/20eee377-e175-48fe-a039-ae723137a2a6) Science & Engineering Practices - [Developing and using models](https://www.knowatom.com/developing-and-using-models) - [Planning and carrying out investigations](https://www.knowatom.com/planning-and-carrying-out-investigations) - [Constructing explanations and designing solutions](https://www.knowatom.com/constructing-explanations-and-designing-solutions) - [Engaging in argument from evidence](https://www.knowatom.com/engaging-in-argument-from-evidence) - [Obtaining evaluating and communicating information](https://www.knowatom.com/obtaining-evaluating-and-communicating-information) Disciplinary Core Ideas - [Weather and Climate](https://www.knowatom.com/weather-and-climate) - [Conservation of Energy and Energy Transfer](https://www.knowatom.com/conservation-of-energy-and-energy-transfer) Crosscutting Concepts - [Patterns](https://www.knowatom.com/patterns) - [Cause and Effect](https://www.knowatom.com/cause-and-effect) [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/347944/b5a1446e-d782-4a5f-a019-0b3b98c8304f.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/347944/b5a1446e-d782-4a5f-a019-0b3b98c8304f) ## Browse 8.MS-LS3-3 (MA) Lesson Plans Grade Ranges All K-2 3-5 6-8 [![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/image1-Oct-09-2023-07-06-56-1503-AM.png) ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/8th-grade-science/dna-and-proteins) ## [DNA and Proteins In this unit, students investigate phenomena related to how organisms pass on traits to their offspring. Students begin, in this lesson, with an investigation into how DNA codes for proteins, which determine an organism’s traits. This page provides a high level overview of this lesson. ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/8th-grade-science/dna-and-proteins) [ VIEW LESSON ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/8th-grade-science/dna-and-proteins) [![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/image3-Oct-09-2023-07-06-52-0262-AM.png) ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/8th-grade-science/dna-and-mutations) ## [DNA and Mutations In this unit, students explore science phenomena including reproduction, DNA, and inherited traits. In this lesson, students investigate how mutations are a phenomena caused by structural changes to the DNA. This page highlights key components of this lesson.](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/8th-grade-science/dna-and-mutations) [ VIEW LESSON ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/8th-grade-science/dna-and-mutations) [![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/Grade/Screenshot%20(48).png) ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/7th-grade-science/chromosomes-and-mutations) ## [Chromosomes and Mutations In this unit, students analyze phenomena of inheritance in how living things pass along their genes to offspring. Students evaluate the role of DNA and chromosomes in heredity in this lesson. This page is a high-level extract of this lesson.](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/7th-grade-science/chromosomes-and-mutations) [ VIEW LESSON ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/7th-grade-science/chromosomes-and-mutations) [![](https://www.knowatom.com/hubfs/image3-Oct-08-2023-08-54-58-0486-PM.png) ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/6th-grade-science/inheritance-and-variation-of-traits) ## [Inheritance and Variation of Traits In this lesson, students figure out similarities among the phenomena of cells, specifically the phenomena of inheritance and variation of traits. This page shows key components of this lesson.](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/6th-grade-science/inheritance-and-variation-of-traits) [ VIEW LESSON ](https://www.knowatom.com/science-phenomena-videos/6th-grade-science/inheritance-and-variation-of-traits) Standards citation: NGSS Lead States. 2013. *Next Generation Science Standards: For States, By State*s. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. 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