Gene technology
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Why this why now
This unit builds on pupils’ prior learning from Plant growth and development, where they explored how hormones regulate growth and reproduction in plants. It deepens their understanding by focusing on Gene technology, examining how genetic engineering is used to modify organisms for medical and agricultural purposes. As the final unit in the big question, How do living things grow and reproduce?, it reinforces pupils’ understanding of how genetic manipulation influences growth and reproduction, connecting natural processes to modern technological advances.
Prior knowledge requirements
- The genetic material of all organisms is made of DNA, wound up into structures called chromosomes.
- Sections of chromosomes are called genes, which store instructions for making proteins (including enzymes).
- There are usually two versions of each gene in a pair of chromosomes; the two versions of a gene are called alleles.
- Some alleles are associated with conditions that affect people’s health (e.g. cystic fibrosis).
- Consumers, including humans, are dependent upon crop plants to maintain our food security.
- Plants can be infected by communicable diseases.
- Earth’s climate is changing as a result of human actions.
Threads
Why this why now
This unit builds on pupils’ prior learning from Plant growth and development, where they explored how hormones regulate growth and reproduction in plants. It deepens their understanding by focusing on Gene technology, examining how genetic engineering is used to modify organisms for medical and agricultural purposes. As the final unit in the big question, How do living things grow and reproduce?, it reinforces pupils’ understanding of how genetic manipulation influences growth and reproduction, connecting natural processes to modern technological advances.
Prior knowledge requirements
- The genetic material of all organisms is made of DNA, wound up into structures called chromosomes.
- Sections of chromosomes are called genes, which store instructions for making proteins (including enzymes).
- There are usually two versions of each gene in a pair of chromosomes; the two versions of a gene are called alleles.
- Some alleles are associated with conditions that affect people’s health (e.g. cystic fibrosis).
- Consumers, including humans, are dependent upon crop plants to maintain our food security.
- Plants can be infected by communicable diseases.
- Earth’s climate is changing as a result of human actions.
Biology
Gene technology
This unit covers the human genome's importance and genetic engineering, outlining steps, benefits, and risks. It explores gene technology in agriculture and medicine, focusing on ethical considerations, and societal impacts, and evaluating scientific limitations and risks.
3 lessons in unit
slide decks, worksheet PDFs, quizzes and lesson overviews. You can select individual lessons from the Gene technology unit and download the resources you need, or download the entire unit now. See every unit listed in our Edexcel secondary biology curriculum and discover more of our teaching resources for Edexcel secondary biology programmes.