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Unit 2: Cells, genetics and evolution

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

What is the difference between mitosis and meiosis, and how are stem cells useful?

Mitosis and meiosis and their purposes, the difference between haploid and diploid cells, the nature and uses of stem cells, and uncontrolled cell division leading to cancer.
A focused answer to the WJEC GCSE Biology section 2.2 topic on cell division and stem cells, covering mitosis and meiosis and their purposes, haploid and diploid cells, the nature and uses of embryonic and adult stem cells, and uncontrolled cell division leading to cancer.
9 min answer →

How are living things classified, and how do we measure and protect biodiversity?

The classification of organisms into kingdoms and the hierarchy of taxonomic groups, the binomial naming system, the meaning of a species, the use of keys, and the meaning and measurement of biodiversity.
A focused answer to the WJEC GCSE Biology section 2.1 topic on classification and biodiversity, covering the five kingdoms, the hierarchy of taxonomic groups, the binomial naming system, the definition of a species, the use of keys, and the meaning and measurement of biodiversity.
9 min answer →

How is genetic information stored in DNA, and how do we predict the offspring of a genetic cross?

The structure of DNA, genes, chromosomes and alleles, the meaning of genotype and phenotype, monohybrid inheritance and Punnett squares, sex determination, and the inheritance of genetic disorders.
A focused answer to the WJEC GCSE Biology section 2.3 topic on DNA and inheritance, covering the structure of DNA, genes, chromosomes and alleles, genotype and phenotype, monohybrid crosses with Punnett squares, sex determination, and the inheritance of genetic disorders.
11 min answer →

How do scientists move genes between organisms and use DNA to identify people?

Genetic engineering as the transfer of genes between organisms, the use of restriction enzymes and vectors, examples such as insulin-producing bacteria, genetic profiling and its uses, and the issues raised.
A focused answer to the WJEC GCSE Biology section 2.3 topic on genetic engineering and profiling, covering the transfer of genes between organisms, restriction enzymes and vectors, examples such as insulin-producing bacteria and GM crops, genetic profiling and its uses, and the ethical and social issues raised.
9 min answer →

Where does variation come from, and how does natural selection lead to evolution?

Genetic and environmental variation, mutation as a source of new alleles, natural selection and evolution, the evidence from fossils, selective breeding, and the evolution of antibiotic resistance.
A focused answer to the WJEC GCSE Biology section 2.4 topic on variation and evolution, covering genetic and environmental variation, mutation, natural selection and evolution, the evidence from fossils, selective breeding, and the evolution of antibiotic resistance.
10 min answer →