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De La Salle College Online - INSPIRING THE IMAGINATION AND SEEKING NEW HEIGHTS
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.
 

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.
Biological concepts and processes relating to the inheritable nature of DNA will be selected from:
  • 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. 
Biological concepts and processes relating to variation in phenotype will be selected from:
  • 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. 
Biological concepts and processes relating to variation in phenotypes as adaptive features will be selected from:
  • 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.