Home > Subjects > Biology > Level 3 > 3.7 Genetic Transfer > Subject content
- Subject: Biology
- AS: AS 91607
- Level: 3
- Credits: 3
- Internal
Biology 3.7 Demonstrate understanding of human manipulations of genetic transfer and its biological implications
Subject content
This standard involves learning about how humans manipulate genetic information and the implications the manipulation has. Examples of how humans manipulate genetic information include:
- selective breeding e.g.
- embryo selection,
- animal breeding,
- plant breeding,
- development of new crops e.g. ryegrass cultivars
- whole organism cloning
- transgenesis
- investigation and modification of the expression of existing genes
Examples of biological implications include possible impact on:
- ecosystems
- genetic biodiversity
- health or survival of individuals
- survival of populations
- evolution of populations
Before assessment you will need to have a background knowledge of:
- the basic principles of gene expression, gene technology, genetic engineering, and genetic modification
- techniques used in gene technology, e.g. restriction enzymes, ligation, polymerase chain reaction, electrophoresis, tissue culture, DNA sequencing, etc.
- an understanding of the ethics relating to gene technology.
