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Northern IrelandBiology

Variation, Reproduction and Applied Genetics

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

How do scientists move genes between organisms and make clones?

How genetic engineering transfers a gene from one organism to another using enzymes and vectors, examples such as insulin-producing bacteria and GM crops, methods of cloning, and the benefits and ethical issues.
A focused CCEA GCSE Biology answer on genetic engineering and cloning, covering how a gene is transferred between organisms, examples such as insulin and GM crops, methods of cloning, and the benefits and ethical issues.
8 min answer →

How does natural selection drive evolution, and what is the evidence?

The theory of evolution by natural selection, how variation, competition and survival of the best-adapted lead to a change in a species over time, antibiotic resistance as an example, and the evidence from fossils.
A focused CCEA GCSE Biology answer on natural selection and evolution, covering the theory of evolution by natural selection, the steps from variation to a changed species, antibiotic resistance, and the fossil evidence.
8 min answer →

How do humans breed plants and animals to have useful features?

How selective breeding chooses parents with desired characteristics over many generations, examples in crops and farm animals, and the benefits and risks including reduced variation and inbreeding.
A focused CCEA GCSE Biology answer on selective breeding, covering how parents with desired features are chosen over many generations, examples in crops and animals, and the benefits and risks including reduced variation.
7 min answer →

How do reproductive hormones control the menstrual cycle and fertility?

The male and female reproductive systems, the hormones oestrogen and progesterone in the menstrual cycle, the role of FSH and LH, and how hormones are used in contraception and fertility treatment such as IVF.
A focused CCEA GCSE Biology answer on reproduction, covering the male and female reproductive systems, the hormones of the menstrual cycle, the roles of FSH and LH, and how hormones are used in contraception and fertility treatment.
8 min answer →

Why are members of a species different, and where does variation come from?

The difference between continuous and discontinuous variation, the genetic and environmental causes of variation, how variation data is presented, and the role of mutation in producing new variation.
A focused CCEA GCSE Biology answer on variation, covering continuous and discontinuous variation, the genetic and environmental causes of variation, how variation data is presented, and the role of mutation.
8 min answer →