Allow a maximum of 6 weeks for this topic
BOS or NESA outcomes
Outcome: SC5-15LW
Knowledge and Understanding
LW3 Advances in scientific understanding often rely on developments in technology, and technological advances are often linked to scientific discoveries.
a. relate the organs involved in human reproductive systems to their function.
b. identify that during reproduction the transmission of heritable characteristics from one generation to the next involves DNA and genes.
c. identify that genetic information is transferred as genes in the DNA of chromosomes.
d. outline how the Watson-Crick model of DNA explains: – the exact replication of DNA – changes in genes (mutation)
Working scientifically (skills):
WS6 Students conduct investigations by:
f. evaluating the effectiveness of the planned procedure, considering risk factors and ethical issues, and suggesting improvements as appropriate.
Learning Activities:
1) Define the terms Meiosis and Mitosis, draw a detailed diagram for each process.
2) Explain why Mitosis produces daughter cells which are identical to their parents. Further explain where and when in the bodily functions this is useful and important. Find out how many years it takes to replace every cell in your body.
3) Explain why the daughter cells of Meiosis are not identical to the parent cells, then explain why this is important in the reproductive cycle. Extention: How does this relate to Darwin's Theory of evolution? You may need to read up on this theory.
4) Define the terms DNA, Genes, recessive, dominant, Genotype and Phenotype.
5) Choose a genetically transmitted illness or condition, e.g. red-green colour blindness, albinism, heamophelia or another of your own choosing. Then using a chart which shows dominanant and recessive genes, explain how the condition is passed from one generation to the next and further explain why some people show symptoms while others do not. Feel free to ask your Science teacher for help with this, this is not easy!
6) Read up on the Watson-Crick model of DNA, then expalin or detail how the replication of DNA can result in mutations. Give at least one example of a beneficial mutation and one example of a detrimental mutation.
7) What causes down syndrome? why do older mothers >35 years of age have a higher chance of giving birth to a baby with down syndrome?
8) Draw detailed diagrams of both male and female human reproductive organs, then explain the function of each organ, or sub part of it. Saying that they are designed to have sex in not a good enough answer! What do each of the bits do?
9) Extension: Read up on each of the common sexually transmitted diseases, and write a short summary for each detailing how a person can be infected, what causes the disease (Virus, bacteria or fungus), what can be done to pretect a person from it, what are the possible consequences of the disease and are there any cures? Start with the following, HIV (Aids), Chlamydia, Genital Herpes, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, HPV, Thrush. There are more if your still interested.
10) What is the relationship between genes and Chromosomes?
11) Ask your teacher for a test on this topic.