Generation to generation
(35 hours)
A fundamental property of living matter is reproduction – the formation of new individuals through the transmission of the genetic information contained within the parent organism’s
DNA. The type of reproductive cycle, fertilisation and development of the zygote of any particular species is linked to its adaptations to the environment in which it lives. The human
species is no less a product of adaptations to its environment than any other organism as seen by its reproductive features. The reproductive system is a complex structure of a variety of
different types of cells, the functions of each coordinated to ensure reproductive success. Knowledge of the structure and function of the reproductive system and cycle has led to the
development of techniques to aid some human couples experiencing difficulty in procreation. In sexually reproducing organisms there are a variety of ways in which characteristics are
inherited from the parent organisms. Changes in the DNA complement (as chromosomes) and structure (genes) result in mutations. Inherited diseases, many of which can be predicted, may
result from such mutations. Some of these diseases can be detected in the early stages of human pregnancy. Other mutations are lethal whilst yet others are neutral at a particular time and
place.
Key Concepts:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Cells are the functioning units of all living things
Multi-cellular organisms are functioning sets of interrelated systems.
Organisms live an interdependent existence in environments to which they are adapted.
A variety of mechanisms results in continual change at all levels of the natural world
There are processes in place which maintain dynamic equilibrium at all organisational levels.
There are mechanisms by which characteristics of individuals in one generation are passed on to the next generation.
UNIT ORGANISATION
Main Focus
The process of
reproduction
Reproductive structures
and cycles display
adaptations to the
environment
The activities of the
organs of the female
reproductive system are
coordinated
Factors preventing
procreation
Key
Ideas
Suggested Development of the Main Focus
5, 23
Understand that reproduction is essential to species
survival. Sexual reproduction involves formation of
gametes (by meiosis in animals) and fertilisation.
DNA (as chromosomes) in gametes transmits
information between generations.
3, 6, 16,
17
Demonstrate that the features of the human
reproductive systems and the female cycle are
adaptations to the environment. Understand that the
structures of the various cells and their organs in the
reproductive system are related to their functions.
7
Gain an appreciation of the mechanisms that bring
about cyclical changes within the female reproductive
system and the significance of these changes to
successful procreation.
10
Determine environmental, structural and physiological
factors that could prevent human fertilisation or
carriage of the foetus to full term. Distinguish between
a congenital and hereditary disease.
Possible Student Activities and
Learning Experiences
Construct the stages of meiosis
using wool strands to represent
chromosomes.
Video analysis of animal
reproductive strategies; relate
this to the human species.
Microscope examination of
testes and ovaries.
Dissection of the rat.
Produce a concept map of the
feedback mechanisms involved
in the menstrual cycle and during
pregnancy.
Construct and analyse
karyotypes of chromosomal
anomalies. Report on a human
syndrome resulting from a
chromosome anomaly.
Skills
2, 1,
5
Objectives
Text Reference
UB
Ch. 14.3.2
UB, IB,
EBI
Ch. 19.1.1–3
UB
Ch. 19.1.4
UB, IB
Case Study 19.1
Ch. 19.3
Generation to generation
Continued
UNIT ORGANISATION
Main Focus
Key
Ideas
Reproductive technologies
18
Examine some of the technologies available to assist
couples overcome problems in becoming parents.
22, 23
Gain an appreciation of the significance of Mendel’s
work and the development of his principles. Explain
how this work is related to the formation of gametes
and the modern concept of the gene.
22, 23
Understand that many inherited characteristics come
about by the mechanisms of intermediate dominance,
co-dominance, multiple alleles, continuous variation,
modifier genes and sex-linked genes. Distinguish
between autosomes and sex chromosomes.
10, 18,
22, 23
Develop an understanding of some human genetic
diseases, their cause and possible pattern of
inheritance. Examine the process of genetic
counselling and possible means of detecting the
disease.
Genes, sections of the DNA of
chromosomes, determine
characteristics
Non-Mendelian genetics
Human genetic diseases
Suggested Development of the Main Focus
Possible Student Activities
and Learning Experiences
Produce a newspaper report on
the available reproductive
technologies and comment on
their ethical application.
Experimental investigation of
Mendelian inheritance using
first and second-hand data.
Calculations of results of
possible crosses.
Design and carry out an
investigation to determine if a
human trait is sex-linked or
autosomal, dominant or
recessive.
Calculations of possible
crosses.
Individual students to
investigate a specific human
inherited disease; results to be
pooled and a class chart
produced.
Objectives
Text
Reference
UB, EBI
Ch. 19.3.3
Ch. 24.2
6
UB, IB
Ch. 20.1
6
UB, IB
Ch. 20.2
Ch. 20.3
UB, IB
Ch. 20.5
Skills