LENScience
Discussion Questions
This page contains resource questions and discussion points designed to further conversation on the subject of genetic inheritance and vision issues.
A Review of Processes and Patterns of Evolution
1. Define the term sex‐linked genetic condition and explain why a mutation found on the x‐ chromosome may affect females differently to males.
2. During meiosis, variation is increased through independent assortment (shuffling of chromosomes) and crossing over. Describe each of these processes and explain how they contribute to variation.
3. Describe what is meant by the term “linked genes”. Explain why linked genes are less likely to be separated during crossing over.
4. Explain the difference between DNA profiling and DNA sequencing.
5. Gene mutations can be caused by insertions, deletions or substitutions. Explain why only some mutations cause a change to the structure of the protein that is coded for by a particular gene.
Important Vocabulary: Test Yourself
| Allele | Anneal | Autism |
| Autosome | Chromatid | Chromosome |
| Cone | Crossing over | Gel electrophoresis |
| Gene mutation | Gene | Gene counselling |
| Genome | Genotype | Hemizygous |
| Heterozygous | Homologous | Ion channels |
| Karyotype | Ligation | Linked gene |
| Microsatellite markers | Pedigree | Phenotype |
| Photoreceptors | Plasmid | Polymerase chain reaction |
| Restriction enzymes | Retina | Rod |
| Sex chromosome | Variable tandem repeats | Vector |
| X-Linked |
Knowledge Check
Check that you are able to:
- Describe the principles of simple dominant/recessive monohybrid and dihybrid inheritance patterns and use these to predict the outcome of simple dominant / recessive monohybrid and dihybrid inheritance problems
- Determine the outcome of inheritance crosses involving linked and sex‐linked genes
- Describe the structure of a chromosome
- Describe the process of mitosis and meiosis
- Define the term mutation and identify ways in which mutations may affect an organism
- Identify the causes of mutations
- Differentiate between somatic and gametic mutations and identify the potential effect of each of these
- Describe the effect of gene mutations; identify types of gene mutations and explain the range of potential consequences of these on the expression of the gene
- Describe the effect of chromosome mutations; identify types of chromosome mutations and the range of potential consequences of these on the expression of the gene
- Describe the process that leads to aneuploidy and polyploidy and explain the range of potential consequences of these types of mutations
- Show understanding of molecular genetics by using the core knowledge to give reasons for events that happen in the cell and linking ideas
- Show understanding of the cause and effect of mutations by using the core knowledge to link ideas
- Describe the techniques involved in gene cloning and how gene cloning meets human needs and demands
- Describe the techniques involved in DNA profiling and how DNA profiling meets human needs and demands
- Describe the techniques involved in genome analysis and how genome analysis meets human needs and demands
- Describe the techniques that would be used to insert a gene of interest into a cell using an expression vector such as a plasmid
- Be aware of the differing viewpoints of the use of biotechnological applications
- Show understanding of applications of biotechnological techniques by using core knowledge to link ideas
