Assessment Statements:

4.4.7

State that, when genes are transferred between species, the amino acid sequence of polypeptides translated from them is unchanged because the genetic code is universal.

4.4.8

Outline a basic technique used for gene transfer involving plasmids, a host cell (bacterium, yeast or other cell), restriction enzymes (endonucleases) and DNA ligase.

4.4.9

State two examples of the current uses of genetically modified crops or animals.

4.4.10

Discuss the potential benefits and possible harmful effects of one example of genetic modification.

F.3.3

Distinguish between somatic and germ line therapy.

F.3.4

Outline the use of viral vectors in gene therapy.

F.3.5

Discuss the risks of gene therapy.

4.4.11

Define clone.

4.4.12

Outline a technique for cloning using differentiated animal cells.  This is somatic cell nuclear transfer

4.4.13

Discuss the ethical issues of therapeutic cloning in humans.  This is creating and/or destroying embryos for medical applications.

2.1.8

Explain that cells in multicellular organisms differentiate to carry out specialized functions by expressing some of their genes but not others.

2.1.9

State that stem cells retain the capacity to divide and have the ability to differentiate along different pathways.

2.1.10

Outline one therapeutic use of stem cells.

11.4.9

Describe the process of fertilization, including the acrosome reaction, penetration of the egg membrane by a sperm and the cortical reaction. See the back of the reproductive technology notes.

11.4.11

Outline early embryo development up to the implantation of the blastocyst.

6.6.5

Outline the process of in vitro fertilization (IVF).

6.6.6

Discuss the ethical issues associated with IVF.

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