Year 10 Science Genetics and Biotechnology

Female reproductive system

The system of organs in females—including the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and vagina—responsible for producing eggs, enabling fertilisation, and supporting the development of a baby during pregnancy

Male reproductive system

The organs in males—including the testes, vas deferens, prostate, and penis—that produce, store, and deliver sperm for fertilisation

Gametes

Sex cells (sperm in males, eggs in females) that carry half the number of chromosomes (haploid) and combine during fertilisation

Zygote

The single cell formed when a sperm fertilises an egg; it contains a full set of chromosomes and begins dividing to form an embryo

Embryo

An early stage of human development following the zygote stage, lasting until about eight weeks after fertilisation

What does DNA stand for?

Deoxyribonucleic Acid

DNA

A double-helix molecule that stores genetic instructions used in the development, functioning, and reproduction of living organisms

RNA

Ribonucleic Acid; a single-stranded molecule that helps carry out instructions from DNA to build proteins in cells

Amino acids

Small molecules that are the building blocks of proteins, linked together in specific sequences based on genetic instructions

Proteins

Large, complex molecules made of chains of amino acids, created using instructions from genes, and responsible for most functions and structures in living organisms

Adenine

A base 'A' that pairs with 'T'

Cytosine

A base 'C' that pairs with 'G'

Guanine

A base 'G' that pairs with 'C'

Thymine

A base 'T' that pairs with 'A'

Backbone of DNA

The sugar-phosphate structure that forms the sides of the DNA ladder, providing stability and support for the bases

Genes

Sections of DNA that carry the instructions for making proteins, which determine traits and functions in the body

Chromosomes

Structures found in the nucleus of cells, made of DNA and proteins, that carry genes—the instructions for an organism's traits and functions. Humans have 23 pairs.

Nucleus

The cell's control center that contains chromosomes and directs all cell activities through gene expression

Allele

Different forms of the same gene that can result in different traits, such as eye colour or blood type

Replication

The process of making an exact copy of DNA before a cell divides, ensuring each new cell has identical genetic material

Mutation

A change in the DNA sequence that may result in a new trait, be neutral, or cause disease; mutations can be inherited or caused by environmental factors

Substitution

A mutation where one base in the DNA sequence is replaced with another, changing the order and the function

Deletion

A mutation where one or more bases are removed from the DNA sequence, changing the order and the function

Insertion

A mutation where one or more extra bases are added into the DNA sequence, changing the order and the function

Mitosis

A type of cell division that produces two genetically identical diploid body cells, used for growth and repair

Meiosis

A special type of cell division that produces four genetically unique haploid gametes, each with half the usual number of chromosomes

Diploid

A cell that has two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent

Haploid

A cell that has only one set of chromosomes, such as gametes

Prophase

The first stage of cell division where chromosomes appear and the nucleus starts to break down

Metaphase

The stage of cell division where chromosomes line up in the center of the cell, preparing to be separated

Anaphase

The stage where chromosomes are pulled apart to opposite ends of the cell

Telophase

Two new nuclei form, and the cell starts to split into two

Genotype

The genetic makeup of an organism, represented by the alleles it carries (e.g., Bb or TT)

Phenotype

The physical or observable traits of an organism, such as height, eye colour, or blood type

Dominant gene

An allele that is always expressed in the phenotype, even if only one copy is present (e.g., B in Bb)

Recessive gene

An allele that is only expressed in the phenotype when two copies are present (e.g., b in bb)

Homozygous

Having two of the same alleles for a gene (e.g., TT or tt)

Heterozygous

Having two different alleles for a gene (e.g., Tt)

Gregor Mendel

An monk known as the father of genetics who discovered the basic principles of heredity through experiments with pea plants

Genetic modification

The direct manipulation of an organism's DNA to alter its characteristics, often by inserting genes from another species

Punnet Squares

A diagram used to predict the probability of offspring inheriting certain alleles based on the genotypes of the parents, with a 1:2:1 ratio in genotype and a 3:1 ratio in phenotype

Biotechnology

The use of living organisms, cells, and biological systems to develop products or solve problems in medicine, agriculture, and industry

Genetically modified organism (GMO)

An organism whose genetic material has been altered using biotechnology to express desired traits, such as pest resistance or faster growth

Bioethics

The study of ethical issues in biology and medicine, including topics like genetic modification, cloning, and medical consent