Heredity and Cells Test Study Guide
Define the following terms:
1. organelle – one of the parts inside a cell
2. trait – a feature, quality or characteristic
3. heredity – the passing of traits from one generation to the next
4. genetic trait – a trait that was passed down from a parent through heredity
5. environmental trait – a trait that is determined after birth by where you live, choices you make, etc.
6. Unicellular – an organism made of one cell
7. Multicellular – an organism made of many cells
8. Mitosis – when a cell splits itself in two and makes an identical cell
Fill in the blanks with the correct terms.
9. The cell organelle that is important to determining our traits is the nucleus because it is where our 46
chromosomes are found.
10. We have 46 chromosomes because 23 come from our mother and 23 come from our father
11. Chromosomes are made up of
.
DNA, which has sections called genes that determine our traits.
12. All living things are made of cells .
13. Similar cells groups together to form tissues, tissues grouped together form
organs , and many organs form organ systems.
Short Answer – Answer each question as detailed as possible.
14. Give three examples of genetic traits.
There are many! Some examples could be hair color, eye color and height.
15. Give three examples of environmental traits.
There are many! Some examples could be language, favorite food and favorite sport.
16. Explain why it is possible to have many traits in common with one sibling but have very few traits in
common with another sibling.
Both you and your sibling’s genetic traits come from your parents. If you and a sibling inherit many
similar traits from your parents, you will have a lot in common. However, if you and a sibling happen to inherit
different traits from your parents, you will not have a lot in common.
17. Explain why it is possible to have similar traits to your grandparents or great-grandparents.
Your genetic traits are passed on from your parents. Your parents’ genetic traits are passed on from
their parents, which would be your grandparents. If the same traits are passed on from grandparent to parent
to you, there would be similarities between you and your grandparents.
18. Everyone’s DNA is determined by the same four bases; however, no two people have identical DNA. How
is this possible?
The different pattern/order of the bases is what makes everyone have different traits.
19. What are the five things all cells do?
Each cell gathers fuel, creates energy, grows, reproduces and dies.
20. Give two examples of a unicellular organism.
Bacteria, amoeba, paramecium
21. Give two examples of a multicellular organism.
Plants, animals, humans
22. What are the six types of cells found in the human body?
blood, nerve, muscle, fat, bone and skin
23. List the four types of tissues found in the human body, and explain what each is responsible for.
 Nerve Tissue – controls all of the body’s functions
 Connective Tissue – connects the other three tissues
 Muscle Tissue – responsible for movement
 Epithelial Tissue – forms the covering of all of the body’s surfaces
24. Give an example of something not related to the human body that is organized similar to the organization
of our body in terms of cells, tissues, organs and organ systems.
Students – class – grade level – house – EWA
People – town – county – state – country
Letter – word – sentence – paragraph - story