Human Processes

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  • Human processes
    • Genes, Chromosomes and DNA
      • Nucleus - most cells have it  - contains genetic material as chromosomes
        • Chromosomes - 23 pairs in a nucleus
          • Genes - carried by chromosomes - control characteristics - short length of chromosome
            • DNA - in genes - coiled up to form the 'arms' of a chromosome
    • Reproduction
      • Sexual reproduction
        • The fusion of male and female gametes creating offspring with a mixture of the parents genes
        • Gametes
          • 23 chromosomes
        • Egg and sperm cells fuse to create one cell with a full set of chromosomes
          • Why an offspring has characteristics from both parents
            • Variation in offspring
      • Asexual reproduction
        • One parent with no fusion of gametes, no mixing of chromosomes to create a geneticaly identical offspring
        • How animals grow and produce replacement cells
        • Some organisms produce offspring this way- bacteria and plants
    • Cloning
      • Plants
        • Cuttings
          • Take a section of a good plant
          • Create genetically identical offspring
          • Plants can be produced quickly and cheaply
        • Tissue culture
          • Few plant cells - growth medium with hormones
            • Grow into new plants - clonesof the parent plant
          • Plants made quickly, small spaces, all year
      • Animals - embryo transplants
        • Take sperm cells and egg cells
          • IVF
      • Adult cell cloning
        • Unfertilise egg - remove genetic material implantedult body cell material
          • Stimulate w/ electric shock - divide
            • IVF
      • Issues
        • Reduced gene pool - population is all closely related
        • Health may deteriorate
    • Genetic engineering
      • Cut and paste genes
        • Useful gene is 'cut' using enzymes
          • Enzymes 'cut' another organisms chromosome and 'paste' the useful gene
      • Genes transferred into animals and plants
        • GM crops ave had genes modified
        • Sheep have been GM to produce substances in milk
        • Treat diseases with gene therapy
      • Controversial
        • Potential of solving many problems
        • Long-term effects are unknown
      • GM crops
        • Pros
          • Increase crop yeild
          • Help provide nutrients needed
          • Don't cause problems atm
        • Cons
          • Reduce farmland biodiversity
          • May not be safe
          • Transplanted genes get out into environment

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