Biology · Triple Science Higher
Inheritance, Variation and Evolution
Spec 4.6Paper 219 subtopics
Subtopics
1
Sexual and Asexual Reproduction
Compare sexual and asexual reproduction and explain the role of meiosis in sexual reproduction.
2
Meiosis
Describe meiosis, explain how it produces genetically varied gametes and why variation is important.
3
Advantages and Disadvantages of Sexual and Asexual Reproduction
Compare sexual and asexual reproduction in terms of genetic variation, speed and energy cost.
4
DNA and the Genome
Describe the structure of DNA, what genes are, and what the human genome project achieved.
5
DNA Structure
Describe the structure of DNA including the double helix, bases, and the complementary base pairing rule.
6
Genetic Inheritance
Explain dominant and recessive inheritance and use Punnett squares to predict offspring ratios.
7
Inherited Disorders
Describe cystic fibrosis and polydactyly as examples of inherited genetic disorders.
8
Sex Determination
Explain how biological sex is determined by the X and Y chromosomes.
9
Variation
Describe the causes of variation and distinguish between genetic, environmental and combination variation.
10
Evolution and Natural Selection
Describe Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection and explain how populations change over time.
11
Theory of Evolution
Describe Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection and the role of Wallace.
12
Selective Breeding
Describe how selective breeding works and its applications and disadvantages.
13
Genetic Engineering
Describe genetic engineering — how it works, examples and ethical considerations.
14
Cloning
Describe cloning methods in plants and animals and evaluate their advantages and disadvantages.
15
Evidence for Evolution
Describe the main types of evidence that support the theory of evolution.
16
Mendel and the Development of Genetics
Describe Mendel's work on inheritance and explain why his ideas were not accepted during his lifetime.
17
Fossils and Extinction
Describe how fossils form and explain why species become extinct.
18
Resistant Bacteria
Explain how antibiotic resistance develops through natural selection and why it is a global health threat.
19
Classification of Living Organisms
Describe the Linnaean classification system and the three-domain system, and explain how evolutionary trees show relationships.
Higher tier only
Codominance and blood groups
Genetic engineering — insulin production
Triple science extension
Protein synthesis — transcription and translation
Selective breeding
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