Starter quiz
- Match the keyword with its definition.
- gene⇔a section of DNA that codes for a particular protein ✓
- DNA⇔the molecule that carries genetic information in living organisms ✓
- chromosome⇔a structure formed from coiled DNA found in the nucleus of a cell ✓
- allele⇔a version of a gene that can result in different characteristics ✓
- What does it mean if a condition is inherited?
- It can be transmitted like an infection.
- It is caused by environmental factors.
- It is passed from parents to offspring through genes. ✓
- It results from poor diet.
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- What is a genetic mutation?
- a change in cell colour
- a change in the DNA sequence ✓
- a type of cell division
- a type of protein synthesis
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- What is a dominant allele?
- an allele that causes mutations.
- an allele that is always expressed ✓
- an allele that is never expressed
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- A ______ allele will not be expressed in the phenotype if a dominant allele is present.
- 'recessive' ✓
- What is a carrier of a genetic condition?
- a person who has no alleles for the condition
- a person who has one copy of a recessive allele for a condition ✓
- a person who has two copies of a dominant allele
- a person who is affected by the condition
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Exit quiz
- What is genetic testing used for in family planning?
- altering a person's characteristics
- determining a child's intelligence
- identifying genetic conditions that may affect offspring ✓
- predicting future behaviour
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- Which procedure involves extracting amniotic fluid to detect genetic conditions?
- amniocentesis ✓
- chorionic villus sampling
- genetic sequencing
- ultrasound
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- What is a potential issue with genetic tests?
- They always give 100% accurate results.
- They are only used for adults.
- They can change a person’s DNA.
- They can have false positive or false negative results. ✓
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- What is the purpose of chorionic villus sampling?
- to alter the foetus's DNA
- to detect genetic conditions in a foetus ✓
- to determine the foetus's gender
- to measure the foetus's size
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- What is the purpose of genetic counselling?
- to change a person's genes
- to diagnose infections
- to enhance physical fitness
- to provide information and support for individuals with genetic conditions ✓
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- What might be a moral dilemma faced by parents after genetic testing?
- changing their own genetic makeup
- choosing a career for their child
- deciding whether to continue a pregnancy based on test results ✓
- determining their intelligence level
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Worksheet
Presentation
Video
Lesson Details
Key learning points
- Some alleles are associated with conditions that affect people’s health (e.g. cystic fibrosis).
- Prospective parents can be tested for these alleles, as can embryos (embryo screening).
- A fetus can be tested for these alleles (e.g. by chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis).
- Tests can have false negative or false positive results, and risks of miscarriage or infection.
- Parents must be supported to interpret test results, consider ethical questions and make difficult personal decisions.
Common misconception
Thinking that abortion is the only option following a positive genetic test result during pregnancy.
The lesson explores the various options and support that are available to parents who have a high probability of passing on alleles that can affect their child's health.
Keywords
Allele - different version of a gene, which can produce a different characteristic in the organism’s phenotype
Genetic testing - processes that look for the presence of particular alleles in the DNA of an organism’s genome
Carrier - a person with one copy of a recessive allele (they won’t show the characteristic but can pass the allele to their offspring)
Probability - the likelihood that something will happen, which can be calculated as a decimal number between 0 and 1
Ethical question - a question about whether something is right or wrong