Year 13 Biology Textbook final_copy
CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT UNIT
Ministry of Education, Heritage & Arts
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
Year 13 Biology textbook owned by the Ministry of Education.
Reproduction is allowed for classroom purposes with acknowledgment of the Curriculum Development Unit (CDU).
For other uses, permission must be obtained from the Permanent Secretary for Education.
First Edition published in 2018.
Contact: Waisomo House, Private Mail Bag, Suva, FIJI.
Website: www.education.gov.fj
PREFACE
Developed to provide relevant information as per Year 13 Biology syllabus.
Simplified for better understanding, enriching for students.
Topics are aligned with three strands:
Structure and Life Processes
Living Together and Biodiversity
Change and Sustainability
Self-test questions enhance learning and are appropriate for all learners.
Encourages use of additional resources for enhanced learning outcomes.
Structure of textbook:
Learning outcomes on cover of each strand.
Cloud for fun facts.
Section for self-assessment questions is included.
Glossary of terms is provided at the end.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Acknowledges contributors for their commitment to the development of the textbook:
Mr. Mohammed Masud, CAS
Ms. Ruth Kuilamu, CAS
Others from various educational organizations and schools.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
STRAND 1: STRUCTURE AND LIFE PROCESSES
1.1 Genetics
1.2 Evolution
STRAND 2: LIVING TOGETHER
2.1 Organisms and the Environment
STRAND 3: BIODIVERSITY, CHANGE AND SUSTAINABILITY
3.1 Sub-cellular Forms of Life and Viruses
3.2 Diversity of Life
3.3 Environmental Issues
STRAND 1: STRUCTURE AND LIFE PROCESSES
1.1 Genetics
Genetics deals with genes, heredity, and genetic variation.
Structure of DNA includes two strands forming a double helix:
Consists of nucleotides made of nitrogenous bases (A, T, C, G).
Chargaff's Rule: A=T, C=G in a 1:1 ratio.
Roles of DNA: Replication, encoding information, mutation, and gene expression.
**Replication Process:
Unzipping by helicase
New strand synthesis by DNA polymerase
Semiconservative replication
Proteins Synthesis: Involves transcription and translation using mRNA, tRNA, and ribosomes.
1.1.1 Variations
Differences in physical appearance, behavior, and genetics across populations.
Continuous and discontinuous variation with examples (e.g., height, blood types).
Genetic and environmental variations impact phenotype.
1.1.4 Genetic Engineering
Manipulation of DNA or genome to alter organism characteristics.
Importance of restriction enzymes, DNA ligase, and vectors in recombinant DNA technology.
1.1.5 Population Genetics
Studies allele frequency and changes influenced by:
Natural selection, genetic drift, mutation, gene flow.
1.1.6 Natural Selection
Mechanism of evolution favoring best-adapted individuals through stabilizing, directional, and disruptive selection.
STRAND 2: LIVING TOGETHER
2.1 Organisms and the Environment
Environments consist of biotic and abiotic components.
Concepts like ecological niches, habitats, and communities explained.
Gause's Exclusion Principle states that two species cannot occupy the same niche indefinitely.
BIOLOGICAL TIMING
Influences organisms' behavior based on environmental rhythms.
Different cycles include circadian, circadian lunar, and circannual rhythms.
BIOLOGICAL ORIENTATION
Describes organisms' responses to stimuli such as:
Phototropism in plants (toward light).
Taxes in animals (movement towards/away from stimuli).
Nastic responses are non-directional.
STRAND 3: BIODIVERSITY, CHANGE AND SUSTAINABILITY
3.1 Sub-cellular Form of Life
Viruses as candidates for life forms exhibiting both living and non-living characteristics.
Characteristics include:
Obligate parasites, ability to evolve, and reproduction ability requiring a host cell.
3.2 Diversity of Life
Kingdoms classified by cellular organization and modes of nutrition.
Prokaryotes versus Eukaryotes (structures and characteristics).
KEY TERMS
Glossary and concepts defined across the text for clarity on biological principles, ecological significance, and methods of reproduction in various life forms.