MEGAN BROWN, 9A

BIOLOGY REVISION
INHERITANCE & VARIATION
GENES, DNA, CHROMOSOMES

Genes are sections of DNA molecules and are the unit of inheritance.
Different forms of the same gene are called alleles. The genes carry the
code that determines our physical characteristics, which are a
combination of those of our two parents. However, most characteristics
are controlled by more than one gene.
Chromosomes are linear arrangements of genes and those found in pairs
in body cells are strands of DNA. 23 pairs are found in each cell.
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the complex chemical that carries genetic
coded information for the production of different types of proteins. These
proteins determine how cells function.

GENETIC PROFILING

Genetic profiling is used to show similarities between DNA samples. The

DNA is cut into short pieces which are then separated into bands. The
pattern of the bands can be compared to show similarities between DNA
samples. Advances in technology make this widely available and they can
be produced from small samples of DNA.
Uses criminal cases, paternity cases, comparisons between species for
classification purposes
Pros - identify the presence of certain genes associated with particular
diseases (but not 100% certain so there is a risk)
Cons hackers could access genetic database,
Ethics who should access this information (e.g. employers), privacy,
human rights

GAMETES AND GENDER

Gametes (eggs and sperm) contain 23 chromosomes i.e. half the number
of normal cells. The genetic composition of the daughter cell is different as
a person receives different genetic information from each parent. As a
person inherits genes from their mother and father the genes may not be
identical but they are nevertheless two copies of the same gene. The
normal number of chromosomes is restored after fertilisation i.e. when the
23 chromosomes from both mother and father join.
In the human body cells one of the pairs of chromosomes carries the
genes which determine sex, XX or XY. These separate and combine
randomly at fertilisation.

MENDEL

MEGAN BROWN, 9A

Genotype The description of genes an organism has

Phenotype The description of the physical characteristics an
organism has it is the physical result of the genotype
Dominant alleles Determine the characteristic that appears
Recessive alleles Do not determine the characteristics that appear
F1 The first generation of offspring in a monohybrid cross
F2 The offspring of the first generation in a monohybrid cross
Selfing Self fertilising
Heterozygous Having different alleles for one gene
Heterozygote An organism that has different alleles for one gene
Homozygous Having the same alleles for one gene
Homozygote An organism that has the same alleles for one gene

GENETIC ENGINEERING

Genes can now be transferred artificially from one species to another e.g.
genes from herb-resistant plants into soya beans. This increased their
resistance to herbicides and may increase crop yield due to competition.

Pros food can be made to have more nutrients, made to last longer
so food would be cheaper and there would be more, plants that
produce pesticide will decrease crop spraying so crops will be
cleaner and cheaper, can be made to be more resistant and durable
to environments, bigger crop yield.
Cons many people dont like the idea of foreign genes inside them,
some GM crops dont form fertile seeds so poor farmers have to buy
new seeds every year, it is unnatural, against many religions as they
believe only God should determine the genetic composition of
things.

GM crops have been trialled on farm-scale fields. Reliable data/ evidence

is needed to be collected so we know the exact implications on our
environment and health that come from GM crops. With reliable data
consumers can be informed about GM crops and farmers can be informed
about planting them. This needs to be unbiased information and
interpretation so public perception is not affected and risk management is
not informed of possible consequences

VARIATION

There is much variation between individuals of a species which may be

due to genetic or environmental.
CONTINUOS/ DISCONTINUOS
Sexual reproduction leads to offspring that are genetically different from
the parents unlike asexual reproduction where genetically identical
offspring called clones are produced from a single parent. Sexual
reproduction therefore gives rise to increased genetic variation.

MEGAN BROWN, 9A
Environmental variation
New genes result from random mutations in existing genes. Most
mutations have no effect but some may be beneficial or harmful and
mutation rates can be increased by ionising radiation.Some mutations
cause conditions which may be inherited e.g. cystic fibrosis.
Discuss the issues surrounding the development and use of gene therapy
which has been tried as a means to alleviate the symptoms in cystic
fibrosis sufferers but has greater potential as advances are made in
knowledge and technology.