Level 5 · Science S5.2

Genetics and evolution

Genes pass on in patterns we can predict, and populations change as their genes change.

Planned. This book is not written yet. Below is its plan, which a teacher can already use.

You are ready for this book if

You can use a Punnett square to predict the offspring of two parents.

The plan

  1. S5.2.1 Meiosis and variation
    • Explain how crossing over and independent assortment create variation
    • Explain how errors in meiosis cause conditions such as Down syndrome
  2. S5.2.2 Monohybrid and dihybrid crosses
    • Predict ratios for dihybrid crosses
    • Explain codominance and multiple alleles using ABO blood groups
  3. S5.2.3 Sex linkage, linkage and epistasis
    • Explain the inheritance of sex linked conditions such as haemophilia
    • Explain how linked genes and epistasis change expected ratios
  4. S5.2.4 Testing results with chi squared
    • Use the chi squared test to compare observed and expected ratios
    • Interpret a p value and state a conclusion
  5. S5.2.5 Control of gene expression
    • Explain how transcription factors switch genes on and off
    • Explain how epigenetic marks change gene expression
  6. S5.2.6 Population genetics
    • Use the Hardy-Weinberg equations to find allele frequencies
    • State the conditions under which Hardy-Weinberg holds
  7. S5.2.7 Selection and speciation
    • Compare stabilising, directional and disruptive selection
    • Explain allopatric and sympatric speciation with examples
  8. S5.2.8 Gene technology
    • Describe how PCR and gel electrophoresis are used to compare DNA
    • Evaluate the uses and ethics of gene editing in medicine and farming

For parents and teachers

Level 5 fits learners who can already: read a textbook. use functions and graphs. In many schools that is about 17 to 20, but start wherever the learner is.

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