Western Australia

Year Twelve

Module 1

Module 3

Module 4

The cell

The species

Ecosystems

1.5 provide evidence that the continued survival of the cell depends on the presence of the nucleus.

1.11 describe the structure of DNA at the level of major structural components (sugar, phosphate and nitrogenous bases) and state that the sequence of nitrogenous bases stores genetic information.

1.12 describe mitosis in terms of DNA replication and division of chromatids and their outcomes (no detail required).

1.13 explain the need for DNA replication in the cell cycle.

Option

• describe the process involved in DNA replication.
• outline the general principles involved in recombinant DNA techniques for the separation of cellular chemicals.
• define the term ‘mutation’ and give examples of the types of mutations using phenotypic examples where appropriate.

3.2 give a functional definition of a gene and explain the relationship between genes and chromosomes.

3.3 define the terms ‘allele’, ‘homologous chromosomes’, ‘haploid’ and ‘diploid’ numbers.

3.4 state that in reproduction, genes may be passed on from parents to offspring and that aspects of the reproductive processes determine the inheritance patterns.

3.5 describe the process of meiosis with reference t pairing of homologous chromosomes, attachment of chromosomes to spindle fibres, halving of chromosome number and effect on variation in gametes (names of phases not required).

3.6 contrast the effects of sexual and asexual reproduction on heritable variation in species and relate this to survival in a changing or stable environment.

3.8 distinguish between phenotypes and genotypes (homozygous and heterozygous), and describe how the expression of an allele may be affected by the presence of an alternative allele carried on the homologous chromosome.

3.9 predict the frequencies of genotypes and phenotypes in offspring from monohybrid crosses.

Option

• discuss the influence of social circumstances at different times in history on the growth of scientific knowledge.
• investigate applications of biotechnology.

Option

• investigate a specific feral animal and its effect on an Australian ecosystem.
• analyse the concept of sustainable development.
• examine the role of genetic banks in maintaining biodiversity.
• investigate the effects of land clearing, introduction and removal of new species, use of chemicals, sewage and competition for resources etc. on the survival of ecosystems.
• discuss the role of governments, voluntary groups and individuals in development and conservation decision making.

Module 2

The organism

Option

• investigate applications of biotechnology.