Genetics Assignment 2

Today we're going to either keep working on the merit booklet, OR finish off our posters on the bench on the side of the room. If we can get these handed in by the end of this week we can spend the last part of term catching up on old assignments and turning passes into merits!
Let Mr. Cole check your work before you print anything, and make sure you keep all your work in your assignment pockets.

Assignment 2 merit work

Today we're going to work on the merit task for the second genetics assignment. You need to produce a booklet explaining what the chromosomes are doing in each stage of meiosis. Make sure you include -

• The difference between the first and second divisions.
• What happens during crossing over.
• How crossing over and independent assortment relate to variation.

Assignment 2

Today we're going to start working on the next assignment for the genetics unit.  Complete the following:

1. For task 1, you need to explain how cel division occurs. Use a resource from the links below or find your own, and briefly explain in YOUR OWN WORDS what happens at each stage. You need to do this for mitosis and meiosis.

Refer to the assignment sheet if you have any questions, and feel free to ask me if you aren't sure.

Genetics

Use this link to revise what we've looked at so far. Write down three things that you learn from the site.

translation video

This video really clearly explains how codons and anti-codons work, and might be useful for people working on merit and distinction tasks for past assignments.

Genetic engineering

Today we're going to be looking at genetic engineering - what it is and what issues there are associated with it. We spent a lesson on it last term, but are going to be looking at it in more detail today.

1. First of all, use this animation and the info on the next pages to explain what genetic engineering is. Using dot points for the steps involved might be useful.
2. What are some products that can be produced by genetically modified (GM) organisms?
3. There are lots of different websites with information about GM, like the BBC or Nature journal.  Read some articles here and on other sites you can find that are reliable, eg official news sites.  Give one reason for using genetic engineering, and one reason against doing so. Reference your argument by saying who else has made it and where.
4. What is embryo screening? Why is it controversial?
5. What are the pros and cons of 'designer' babies?
6. Read the article here (the 'pets in all colours' section). Where have these mice been given DNA from?  Do you agree with this? Why or why not?