AS1.9 Genetics (External)

Demonstrate understanding of biological ideas relating to genetic variation
Level 1 Credits 4
Assessment: External
You must be familiar with the following genetic language and conventions: gene, allele, mutation, genotype, phenotype, gamete, zygote, dominant, recessive, homozygous, heterozygous, pure breeding, Punnett square, and pedigree chart.
Level 1 Credits 4
Assessment: External
You must be familiar with the following genetic language and conventions: gene, allele, mutation, genotype, phenotype, gamete, zygote, dominant, recessive, homozygous, heterozygous, pure breeding, Punnett square, and pedigree chart.
What you need to know
Biological ideas relating to genetic variation are limited to concepts and processes connected with:
- the continuity of life based on the inheritable nature of DNA links between DNA and variation in phenotypes
- variation in phenotypes as adaptive features.
- the roles of DNA in both carrying instructions to the next generation and determining phenotype
- the relationship between DNA, alleles, genes, and chromosomes
- the way in which genotype determines phenotype
- the way chromosomes exist as pairs so that individuals inherit two copies of each gene.
- the significance of an allele as an alternative version of a gene
- the role of mutations in forming new alleles
- the role of meiosis in generating gametes (students are not required to provide the names of the stages of meiosis)
- the significance of sexual reproduction (in producing a new mix of alleles)
- the patterns of inheritance involving simple monohybrid inheritance showing complete dominance, sex determination, possible genotypes, and phenotype ratios.
- inheritable and non-inheritable variations that exist within a group of living organisms
- differing rates of survival by various members of a group may depend on their phenotype
- the importance of variation within populations (population and species survival) in a changing environment such as pest infestation, disease, drought, or flood
- the advantages and disadvantages of sexual reproduction.
