Unit C Conclusion

1. Unit C Conclusion

Summary

Unit C Conclusion

In the three modules in Unit C, you have examined the mechanisms of reproduction at the cellular level, the principles determining the inheritance of characteristics, and the mechanism of transmitting the genetic code from one generation to the next.

The major concepts and the skills you developed in this unit are as follows:

explaining the rules and steps involved in mitosis and meiosis that regulate the transmission of genetic information from one generation to the next
describing the similarities and differences that exist in mitosis and meiosis that allow for growth, healing, and reproduction of organisms
hypothesizing how the understanding of the molecular nature of genes and DNA can help explain the transmission of traits, and how mutation at the molecular level results in changed proteins
analyzing how the knowledge of the molecular nature of genes and DNA has led to new biotechnologies and treatment of genetic disorders

In Module 5 you examined reproduction at the cellular level. Individual cells, like those in humans and all other multi-cellular organisms, need to ensure the next generation has all that it needs to survive. In human reproduction you saw how this creates a cycle as one is born, grows, mates, and gives birth to the next generation. In a similar way, cells follow a life cycle of growth, preparation, and division. In this unit you learned how the cell life cycle naturally progresses and how cells copy their instructions for the next generation. You saw how cells divide to form new, complete cells, or divide to form incomplete cells. You examined these methods and studied their advantages and limitations. You saw just how important the regulation of the cell cycle is as you considered cancerous or “wild” cell growth.

In Module 6 you looked at how an organism passes on its traits to the next generation. As you considered these patterns of inheritance, you learned about the works of Gregor Mendel and Thomas Morgan, and how they contributed to our understanding of genetics today. You used predictive tools to understand and explain the movement of a disease or condition through a family pedigree.

In Module 7 you looked at the molecular basis for traits in the cell and you gained an understanding of how cells express these traits through protein synthesis. You saw how mutation can change the intended expression of genetically inherited traits. Genetic change can result in disease. It can also result in enhanced abilities and can be the basis of evolution as explored in Unit D.