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Northern IrelandLife & Health Sciences

Genetics, Gene Technology and Stem Cells (A2 5)

5 dot points across 5 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How is genetic information stored in DNA and used to make proteins?

The structure of DNA and RNA, the gene as a sequence of bases coding for a protein, the genetic code, and the stages of protein synthesis (transcription and translation).
A CCEA Life and Health Sciences answer on DNA, genes and protein synthesis: the structure of DNA and RNA, the gene and the genetic code, and the stages of transcription and translation that make a protein from a gene.
13 min answer →

How are genes manipulated to make useful products, and what are the applications and ethical issues?

The principles of genetic engineering (recombinant DNA technology), the use of restriction enzymes, ligase, vectors and the polymerase chain reaction, the applications in medicine, agriculture and gene therapy, and the ethical and safety issues.
A CCEA Life and Health Sciences answer on gene technology: the principles of genetic engineering using restriction enzymes, ligase and vectors, the polymerase chain reaction, applications in medicine and agriculture, gene therapy, and the ethical issues.
13 min answer →

How are characteristics inherited, and how do we predict the outcomes of genetic crosses?

The key genetic terms (gene, allele, genotype, phenotype, dominant, recessive, homozygous, heterozygous), monohybrid inheritance and genetic crosses, codominance and sex linkage, and the use of genetic diagrams to predict offspring ratios.
A CCEA Life and Health Sciences answer on inheritance: the key genetic terms, monohybrid crosses and genetic diagrams, codominance and sex linkage, and predicting offspring ratios with Punnett squares.
13 min answer →

What is a mutation, how does it cause genetic disease, and how are genetic disorders detected?

Gene mutations (substitution, insertion and deletion) and their effects on the protein, chromosome mutations, mutagens, examples of genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis and sickle-cell anaemia, and genetic screening and counselling.
A CCEA Life and Health Sciences answer on mutations and genetic disease: gene mutations and their effects on proteins, chromosome mutations and mutagens, genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis and sickle-cell anaemia, and genetic screening and counselling.
13 min answer →

What are stem cells, how are they used in medicine, and what is cloning?

The nature of stem cells and the differences between embryonic and adult stem cells, cell differentiation and potency, the medical uses of stem cells, the principles of reproductive and therapeutic cloning, and the associated ethical issues.
A CCEA Life and Health Sciences answer on stem cells and cloning: the nature of embryonic and adult stem cells, differentiation and potency, the medical uses of stem cells, reproductive and therapeutic cloning, and the ethical issues.
12 min answer →