Clarification Statement - S.HS.LS.3.1.CS:
Emphasis should be on the distinction between coding and non-coding regions of DNA.

Science and Engineering Practices - 9-12.SEP1.2:
Ask questions that arise from examining models or a theory to clarify relationships.

Disciplinary Core Ideas - S.HS.LS.3.1.DCI:
LS1.A: Structure and Function •All cells contain genetic information in the form of DNA molecules. Genes are regions in the DNA that contain the instructions that code for the formation of proteins. (secondary to HS-LS3-1) LS3.A: Inheritance of Traits •Each chromosome consists of a single very long DNA molecule, and each gene on the chromosome is a particular segment of that DNA. The instructions for forming species’ characteristics are carried in DNA. All cells in an organism have the same genetic content, but the genes used (expressed) by the cell may be regulated in different ways. Not all DNA codes for a protein; some segments of DNA are involved in regulatory or structural functions, and some have no as-yet known function.

Crosscutting Concepts - CC2.8:
Empirical evidence is required to differentiate between cause and correlation and make claims about specific causes and effects.