Genetics, Pregnancy, and Development: Key Concepts for Biology

What are chromosomes?

Structures made of large molecules of DNA that carry genetic information.

What are genes?

Units of inheritance found on DNA that carry genetic information from one generation to the next.

Why are genes important?

They determine inherited characteristics and pass traits from parents to offspring.

How are traits passed from parents to offspring?

Through genes carried in gametes during fertilisation.

What is inheritance?

The passing of genetic information from parents to offspring.

What is fertilisation?

The fusion of the male gamete (sperm) and female gamete (egg).

What is produced during fertilisation?

A zygote.

What is a zygote?

A fertilised egg containing genes from both parents.

Where are chromosomes found?

In the nucleus of cells.

What is DNA?

The molecule that contains genetic instructions for inherited traits.

Why is the zygote genetically unique?

It contains a combination of genetic information from both mother and father.

When is pregnancy established?

When implantation occurs.

What is implantation?

The attachment of the embryo to the lining of the uterus.

Does embryonic and foetal development follow random stages?

No, it follows a known and predictable sequence.

What is the embryonic stage?

The early stage of development after fertilisation.

What is the foetal stage?

The later stage of development where growth and maturation continue.

Why is development described as predictable?

Because it follows a specific sequence of biological stages.

What is the placenta?

An organ that connects the developing baby to the mother.

What is the main role of the placenta?

To provide nutrients and oxygen to the developing baby.

What else does the placenta do?

Removes waste products from the developing baby.

Why is the placenta essential?

It supports the baby's growth and survival during pregnancy.

What is ultrasound?

A non-invasive imaging technique used to monitor the baby's development.

What can ultrasounds check?

Growth, position, and general development.

What can blood tests be used for during pregnancy?

Monitoring health markers and detecting some abnormalities.

Why are ultrasound and blood tests important?

They help monitor the health of the mother and developing baby.

What is parental testing?

Genetic testing of parents to identify possible inherited conditions.

What is embryonic testing?

Testing embryos for genetic or chromosomal abnormalities.

What is foetal testing?

Testing the developing baby for abnormalities during pregnancy.

What is a chromosomal abnormality?

A condition caused by changes in chromosome number or structure.

What is a karyotype?

A visual display of chromosomes used to identify abnormalities.

What is a DNA profile?

An analysis of genetic material used to detect inherited conditions.

How can smoking affect a developing baby?

It can reduce oxygen supply and increase health risks.

How can alcohol affect a developing baby?

It can interfere with normal development and cause long-term harm.

How can drug use affect pregnancy?

It can negatively impact development and future health.

Why are maternal lifestyle choices important?

They directly affect the development and health of the unborn baby.

Explain how genes are passed from parents to offspring.

Genes are units of inheritance located on DNA within chromosomes in the nucleus. During fertilisation, male and female gametes combine to form a zygote containing genetic information from both parents, passing traits to offspring.

Describe the role of the placenta during pregnancy.

The placenta provides nutrients and oxygen to the developing baby and removes waste products, supporting growth and development.

Identify two techniques used to monitor the unborn baby.

Ultrasound and blood tests.

Explain how maternal lifestyle choices can affect the developing baby.

Smoking, alcohol, and drug use can interfere with development, increase health risks, and affect the child's long-term wellbeing.

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