Module 5 Lesson 4 - 1

Get Focused

Chromosome replication and separation does not always proceed according to the patterns you have learned. Occasionally, the process falters, and the results can be dramatic. In this lesson, you will learn of common disorders resulting from improper cell division and consider the ethical issues involved in prenatal tests and working with embryonic cells.

In this lesson, these focusing questions are examined:

• How are gametes formed through spermatogenesis and oogenesis?
  
• How do chromosome disorders occur, and does their frequency increase with the age of the parent individual?
• How can embryonic cells be used, and what technologies exist to test the genetic condition of an unborn fetus by which parents know about the condition of their child prior to birth?