Module 6: Genetic Change

Question 1

Genetic change

Answer 1

Mutation
Biotechnology
Genetic technologies

Question 2

How does mutation introduce new alleles into a population?

Answer 2

How a range of mutagens operate
- electromagnetic radiation sources
- chemicals
- naturally occurring mutagens
Compare the causes, processes and effects of different types of mutation
- point mutation
- chromosomal mutation
Distinguish between somatic mutations and germ-line mutations and their effect on an organism
Significance of ‘coding’ and ‘non-coding’ DNA segments in the process of mutation
Causes of genetic variation relating to the processes of fertilisation, meiosis and
mutation
Effect of mutation, gene flow and genetic drift on the gene pool of populations

Question 3

How do genetic techniques affect Earth’s biodiversity?

Answer 3

Uses and applications of biotechnology (past, present and future)
- 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

Question 4

Does artificial manipulation of DNA have the potential to change populations
forever?

Answer 4

Uses and advantages of current genetic technologies that induce genetic change
Compare the processes and outcomes of reproductive technologies
- artificial insemination
- artificial pollination
Assess the effectiveness of cloning
- 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
(ACSBL087)
● evaluate the benefits of using genetic technologies in agricultural, medical and industrial
applications (ACSBL086)
● 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