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EnglandBiology

Component 2: Continuity of Life

6 dot points across 6 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How do we read, copy and edit genomes, and how are these technologies used?

Application of reproduction and genetics: recombinant DNA technology; PCR; gel electrophoresis; DNA profiling and sequencing; genetic screening; and the ethical issues raised.
A focused answer to the Eduqas Component 2 statement on the applications of genetics. Covers recombinant DNA technology, the polymerase chain reaction, gel electrophoresis, DNA profiling and sequencing, genetic screening, and the ethical issues.
13 min answer →

How are organisms classified, and how do we measure and compare biodiversity?

Classification and biodiversity: the three domains and the taxonomic hierarchy; phylogeny; the species concept; measuring biodiversity using the index of diversity; and genetic diversity.
A focused answer to the Eduqas Component 2 statement on classification and biodiversity. Covers the three domains and taxonomic hierarchy, phylogeny, the species concept, the index of diversity calculation, and genetic diversity.
12 min answer →

How are characteristics inherited, and how do we test whether results fit a genetic ratio?

Inheritance: monohybrid and dihybrid crosses; codominance and multiple alleles; sex linkage; epistasis; the use of genetic diagrams; and the chi-squared test.
A focused answer to the Eduqas Component 2 statement on inheritance. Covers monohybrid and dihybrid crosses, codominance and multiple alleles, sex linkage, epistasis, genetic diagrams, and the chi-squared test for goodness of fit.
14 min answer →

How do humans produce gametes, and how is the menstrual cycle controlled?

Sexual reproduction in humans: gametogenesis (spermatogenesis and oogenesis); the structure of the gametes; fertilisation; and the hormonal control of the menstrual cycle.
A focused answer to the Eduqas Component 2 statement on human reproduction. Covers spermatogenesis and oogenesis, the structure of the sperm and egg, fertilisation and the acrosome reaction, and the hormonal control of the menstrual cycle.
12 min answer →

How do flowering plants reproduce sexually, from pollination to seed formation?

Sexual reproduction in plants: the structure of an insect-pollinated flower; gamete formation; pollination and double fertilisation; seed and fruit formation; and adaptations promoting cross-pollination.
A focused answer to the Eduqas Component 2 statement on plant reproduction. Covers flower structure, gamete formation in the anther and ovule, pollination, double fertilisation, seed and fruit formation, and adaptations that promote cross-pollination.
12 min answer →

Where does variation come from, and how do natural selection and the Hardy-Weinberg principle explain evolution?

Variation and evolution: the sources of genetic variation; natural selection and types of selection; the Hardy-Weinberg principle; genetic drift; and speciation.
A focused answer to the Eduqas Component 2 statement on variation and evolution. Covers the sources of variation, natural selection and its types, the Hardy-Weinberg principle and equation, genetic drift, and the formation of new species.
14 min answer →