- evaluate the importance of recent contributions to our knowledge of genetic processes, and analyze the social and ethical implications of genetic and genomic research
- investigate genetic processes, including those that occur during meiosis, and analyze data to solve basic genetics problems involving monohybrid and dihybrid crosses
- demonstrate an understanding of concepts, processes, and technologies related to the transmission of hereditary characteristics
BIG IDEAS
- Genetic and genomic research can have social and environmental implications.
- Variability and diversity of organisms result from the distribution of genetic materials during the process of meiosis.
UNIT TASK PREVIEW
In the Unit Task you will investigate the case history of an individual with a genetic disorder. You will examine the individual's family history and learn how the disorder was inherited. You will also learn about the disease itself, how it is diagnosed and treated, and what the prognosis is for individuals affected with the disorder.
The Unit Task is described in detail on page 264. As you work through the unit look for Unit Task Bookmarks to see how information in the section relates to the Unit Task.
Print Page 133
FOCUS ON STSE
SHAPING OUR PAST AND OUR FUTURE
The science of genetics is revolutionizing biology. At the beginning of the last century, we were just beginning to understand the nature of inheritance. By the middle of that century, we had learned that chromosomes carry genetic information that is inherited from generation to generation. Later in the century, scientists were able to identify the structure of DNA. Today, we have the ability to read the genetic instructions of an individual, as well as the technology to transfer genetic information between individuals of different species. What are the applications and implications of these revolutions in genetics?
In hospitals, newborn babies are routinely screened for genetic disorders, enabling diagnosis, treatment, and reduced suffering. In courtrooms, DNA fingerprinting is used to distinguish between guilt and innocence. Organisms that have been genetically modified are used in agriculture to produce new foods, in forestry to yield faster-growing trees, and in the pharmaceutical industry to produce new and more effective drugs. DNA testing is now available to anyone, for a price.
The science of genetics and its applications have significant implications for society. Many of these applications offer the promise of improved healthcare, more abundant and nutritious food, and benefits for society and the environment. But what are the costs and risks of this revolution in science? Will the introduction of genetically modified organisms harm the environment? Will genetically modified organisms be used in a harmful way? How will genetic information be used, and will it be abused?
The future of genetics is filled with opportunities and burdened with difficult questions. Although many breakthroughs in genetics research have benefited society, many applications of genetics remain controversial. This unit will introduce you to the science of genetics and heredity. You will learn how the science of genetics and its associated technologies have shaped your world and will shape your future.
Questions
1. Make a list of six dog breeds. For each breed listed, identify which of its characteristics (physical and/or behavioural) are inherited (passed from generation to generation.)
2. (a) Brainstorm a list of eight human physical traits that are inherited but variable—for example, eye colour. (b) List some human behavioural traits that you think are inherited.
3. Many people are opposed to the use of organisms in agriculture that have been genetically modified. Why do you think this is? Why do you think others are so strongly in favour of their use?
4. If you could change any kind of organism, which kind would you choose, and what specific characteristic(s) would you change? Explain your answer.
*UNIT 2 PROJECT*
UNIT 2 TEST
OVERALL EXPECTATIONS
- evaluate the importance of recent contributions to our knowledge of genetic processes, and analyze the social and ethical implications of genetic and genomic research
- investigate genetic processes, including those that occur during meiosis, and analyze data to solve basic genetics problems involving monohybrid and dihybrid crosses
- demonstrate an understanding of concepts, processes, and technologies related to the transmission of hereditary characteristics
BIG IDEAS
- Genetic and genomic research can have social and environmental implications.
- Variability and diversity of organisms result from the distribution of genetic materials during the process of meiosis.
UNIT TASK PREVIEW
In the Unit Task you will investigate the case history of an individual with a genetic disorder. You will examine the individual's family history and learn how the disorder was inherited. You will also learn about the disease itself, how it is diagnosed and treated, and what the prognosis is for individuals affected with the disorder.
The Unit Task is described in detail on page 264. As you work through the unit look for Unit Task Bookmarks to see how information in the section relates to the Unit Task.
Print Page 133
FOCUS ON STSE
SHAPING OUR PAST AND OUR FUTURE
The science of genetics is revolutionizing biology. At the beginning of the last century, we were just beginning to understand the nature of inheritance. By the middle of that century, we had learned that chromosomes carry genetic information that is inherited from generation to generation. Later in the century, scientists were able to identify the structure of DNA. Today, we have the ability to read the genetic instructions of an individual, as well as the technology to transfer genetic information between individuals of different species. What are the applications and implications of these revolutions in genetics?
In hospitals, newborn babies are routinely screened for genetic disorders, enabling diagnosis, treatment, and reduced suffering. In courtrooms, DNA fingerprinting is used to distinguish between guilt and innocence. Organisms that have been genetically modified are used in agriculture to produce new foods, in forestry to yield faster-growing trees, and in the pharmaceutical industry to produce new and more effective drugs. DNA testing is now available to anyone, for a price.
The science of genetics and its applications have significant implications for society. Many of these applications offer the promise of improved healthcare, more abundant and nutritious food, and benefits for society and the environment. But what are the costs and risks of this revolution in science? Will the introduction of genetically modified organisms harm the environment? Will genetically modified organisms be used in a harmful way? How will genetic information be used, and will it be abused?
The future of genetics is filled with opportunities and burdened with difficult questions. Although many breakthroughs in genetics research have benefited society, many applications of genetics remain controversial. This unit will introduce you to the science of genetics and heredity. You will learn how the science of genetics and its associated technologies have shaped your world and will shape your future.
Questions
1. Make a list of six dog breeds. For each breed listed, identify which of its characteristics (physical and/or behavioural) are inherited (passed from generation to generation.)
2. (a) Brainstorm a list of eight human physical traits that are inherited but variable—for example, eye colour.
(b) List some human behavioural traits that you think are inherited.
3. Many people are opposed to the use of organisms in agriculture that have been genetically modified. Why do you think this is? Why do you think others are so strongly in favour of their use?
4. If you could change any kind of organism, which kind would you choose, and what specific characteristic(s) would you change? Explain your answer.
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6