Module 6: Genetic Change

● explain how a range of mutagens operate, including but not limited to:

– electromagnetic radiation sources

– chemicals

– naturally occurring mutagens

● compare the causes, processes and effects of different types of mutation, including but not limited to:

– point mutation

– chromosomal mutation

● distinguish between somatic mutations and germ-line mutations and their effect on an organism

● assess the significance of ‘coding’ and ‘non-coding’ DNA segments in the process of mutation

● investigate the causes of genetic variation relating to the processes of fertilisation, meiosis and mutation

● evaluate the effect of mutation, gene flow and genetic drift on the gene pool of populations

● investigate the uses and applications of biotechnology (past, present and future), including:

– analysing the social implications and ethical uses of biotechnology, including plant and animal examples

– researching future directions of the use of biotechnology

– evaluating the potential benefits for society of research using genetic technologies

– evaluating the changes to the Earth’s biodiversity due to genetic techniques

● investigate the uses and advantages of current genetic technologies that induce genetic change

● compare the processes and outcomes of reproductive technologies, including but not limited to:

– artificial insemination

– artificial pollination

● investigate and assess the effectiveness of cloning, including but not limited to:

– whole organism cloning

– gene cloning

● describe techniques and applications used in recombinant DNA technology, for example:

– the development of transgenic organisms in agricultural and medical applications

● evaluate the benefits of using genetic technologies in agricultural, medical and industrial applications

● evaluate the effect on biodiversity of using biotechnology in agriculture

● interpret a range of secondary sources to assess the influence of social, economic and cultural contexts on a range of biotechnologies