SCN3230-ABED_1: Unit C Conclusion

Conclusion

You have completed three modules in Unit C and explored major concepts and developed some skills. In this unit, you learned to

explain the rules and steps involved in mitosis and meiosis that regulate the transmission of genetic information from one generation to the next
describe the similarities and differences that exist in mitosis and meiosis that allow for growth, healing, and reproduction of organisms
hypothesize 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
analyze how the knowledge of the molecular nature of genes and DNA has led to new biotechnology and treatment of genetic disorders

In Module 5, you examined reproduction at the cellular level. Individual cells, similar to humans and all other multi-cellular organisms, must ensure the next generation has all it needs to survive. In human reproduction, you saw how this produces a cycle as one individual 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 progresses naturally 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 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 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. 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 our genetically inherited traits. Genetic change can result in disease. It can also result in enhanced abilities, and it can be the basis of evolution as explored in Unit D.