Variation

Genetic information is passed from parents to offspring in the sex cells (gametes). A cells’ nucleus contains chromosomes that carry the genes that control the characteristics of your body.

This homework is related to the learning you have been doing on ‘Variation’.

What to do next:

 There are two options available for this homework. Only attempt one of them.

Homework Option 1: ‘Life for a Life’ Designer Baby Dilemma

This homework is about the dilemma faced by the parents of a child with a debilitating genetic disease.

1. You are going to try the activities from the following website on 'life for a life'. Go to www.upd8.org.uk   you can log in and type in 'life for a life' and it will give you details of the activity. Start off by reading page 1 . What is your initial opinion? Record your answer on the ‘Life for a Life Answer Grid. Make sure you save this answer grid to your computer so you can print it off.
2. Read the ‘Experts Briefing Notes’ on page 2, then answer the questions on page 3. Record your answer on your copy of the ‘Life for a Life Answer Grid’.
3. Read the BBC news article ‘Designer Babies’.
4. What is your opinion now? Has it changed since your initial opinion?
5. Bring in the answer grid for assessment.

Homework Option 2: ‘The Future in your Genes’

This homework is about whether your genes hold the information as to the diseases you will develop in your life and how long you will live for.

1. You are going to try the activities from the following website on ‘The Future in your Genes’. Go to www.upd8.org.uk   you can log in and type in ‘The Future in your Genes’ and it will give you details of the activity. Start off by reading page 1 of . What is your answer to the question at the bottom of the page?
2. The ABC TV news editor must select items to broadcast in today's news. You are the science correspondent and need to prepare an exciting news package that the editor cannot ignore!
3. Print page 2  and use it as the preparation of your news item: use pages 3 and 4 to give you the information that you need. Use more pages if you need to.
4. Bring in your completed page 2 for assessment.

Assessment details

This homework will be assessed on its scientific content and understanding, effort and on the organisation of resources.

Handing in details

Hand in during lesson on date requested. This homework will be peer assessed during a lesson.

More helpful references

AQA GCSE Science textbook pages 94 – 105.