Clarification Statement - S.MS.LS.3.1.CS:
Emphasis is on conceptual understanding that changes in genetic material may result in making different proteins.

Assessment Boundary - S.MS.LS.3.1.AB:
Assessment does not include specific changes at the molecular level, mechanisms for protein synthesis, or specific types of mutations.

Science and Engineering Practices - 6-8.SEP2.3:
Develop and use a model to describe phenomena.

Disciplinary Core Ideas - S.MS.LS.3.1.DCI:
LS3.A: Inheritance of Traits •Genes are located in the chromosomes of cells, with each chromosome pair containing two variants of each of many distinct genes. Each distinct gene chiefly controls the production of specific proteins, which in turn affects the traits of the individual. Changes (mutations) to genes can result in changes to proteins, which can affect the structures and functions of the organism and thereby change traits. LS3.B: Variation of Traits •In addition to variations that arise from sexual reproduction, genetic information can be altered because of mutations. Some changes are beneficial, others harmful, and some neutral to the organism. •(NYSED) Mutations may result in changes to the structure and function of proteins.

Crosscutting Concepts - CC4.4:
Complex and microscopic structures and systems can be visualized, modeled, and used to describe how their function depends on the relationships among its parts, therefore complex natural structures/systems can be analyzed to determine how they function.