What are mutations?
A random change in the structure of a gene
When/Why do mutations occur?
- Randomly during cell division
- Exposure to Radiation or certain chemicals
What effect can mutations have?
- No effect
- Positive (easier to survive)
- Negative (like cancer)
What is the theory of evolution?
Species change over time, allowing them to become more suited to an environment.
Which scientist came up with the idea of evolution?
Charles Darwin
What is a gene?
Basic unit of genetic material. A section of DNA.
What is natural selection?
Survival of the fittest
What evidence is there for evolution?
- Fossils
- Antibiotic resistant bacteria
- Darwin’s Finches
How did the Finches provide evidence for evolution?
Each finch species lived on an island where their beak shape was best suited to the food available
What is selective breeding?
An artificial process in which organisms with a desired characteristics are chosen as parents for the next generation.
How does selective breeding occur?
Parents with the wanted characteristics have a child and it is repeated until the outcome is as close to what they want as possible.
Why is selective breeding also called ‘artificial selection’?
Humans chose the characteristics they want an organism to have
What characteristics might a cattle farmer selectively breed for?
- Produce more milk
- Produce more eggs
- Strongs
What characteristics might a sheep farmer selectively breed for?
- Thicker wool
- More milk produced
What characteristics might a chicken farmer selectively breed for?
- More eggs
- Heavier (for more meat)
What characteristics might a farmer growing tomatoes selectively breed for?
Longer shelf life
What is inbreeding?
Production of offspring from individuals that are genetically related
What is genetic engineering?
Process which involves the artificial transfer of genetic information from one donor cell or organism to another.
How does genetic engineering occur?
Introducing a gene from one organism into the genome of another organism to introduce desirable characteristics
What is used to isolate a gene in genetic engineering?
Enzymes
What is a genome?
All genetic material in an organism
What is a vecor?
The way genetic material is transferred from a donor to a recipient
Name 2 organisms commonly used as vectors in genetic engineering.
- Plasmids
- Bacteria
Give two reasons to genetically modify crop plants.
- To help farmers prevent crop and food loss
- Control weeds
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4.1.1 - States Of Matter38
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4.1.2 - Atomic Structure28
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4.1.3 - Cells in Animals and Plants44
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4.1.4 - Waves33
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4.2.1 - Systems in the Human Body64
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4.2.2 - Plants and Photosynthesis34
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4.3.1 - Lifestyle and Health43
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4.3.2 - Radiation and Risk35
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4.3.3 - Preventing, Treating, and Curing Diseases40
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4.4.1 - The Earth's Atmosphere37
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4.4.2 - Ecosystems and Biodiversity36
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4.4.3 - Inheritance34
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4.4.4 - Variation and Evolution40
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4.5.1 - The Periodic Table36
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4.5.2 - Chemical Quantities30
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4.6.1 - Forces and Energy49
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4.6.2 - Structure and Bonding30
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4.6.3 - Magnetism and Electromagnetism24
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4.7.1 - Forces and Motion56
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4.7.2 - Electricity45
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4.7.3 - Acids and Alkalis33
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4.7.4 - Rate and Extent of Chemical Change24
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4.7.5 - Atoms into Ions and Ions into Atoms29
