Cambridge Pre-U Syllabus - Cambridge International Examinations

22
Cambridge Pre-U Draft
Practical learning outcomes
Candidates should be able to:
i) investigate genetics using locally available materials (e.g. locally available plants), germinating seedlings
(e.g. rapid-cycling Brassica), Drosophila, fungi (such as Sordaria fimicola), genetic tomatoes, prepared
materials such as ‘genetic corn-cobs’ and any other materials that yield suitable numerical information
ii) investigate continuous and discontinuous variation with any available materials (e.g. people, plants with
suitable single-gene and polygenic characteristics, polymorphic snails, etc.)
1.7 Applications of cell biology
Content
Principles of genetic engineering
Isolating genes
Cloning DNA
Vectors and insertion into host cells
Identifying and cloning transformed cells
Gene therapy and genetic profiling (DNA fingerprinting)
Gene sequencing – methods and applications
Stem cells – isolation and uses
Ethical issues surrounding genetic engineering and the use of stem cells
Learning outcomes
Candidates should be able to:
a) discuss the potential and actual advantages and disadvantages of transferring genetic material by
genetic engineering compared to selective breeding
b) explain why promoters and other control sequences may have to be transferred as well as the desired
gene
c) explain strategies that are available to isolate the desired gene from the genome of the gene-donor
including:
• use of mRNA and reverse transcriptase
• use of restriction endonucleases to fragment the genome, and use of electrophoresis and
complementary gene probes to identify relevant fragments from the gene
d) outline the principles of PCR as used to clone and amplify DNA and discuss the source and importance
of Taq polymerase
e) explain strategies that are available to insert DNA into host cells including:
• inserting the DNA into a plasmid vector using restriction enzymes and DNA ligase and then
inserting the plasmid vector into a host cell
• use of Agrobacterium tumefaciens in inserting DNA into dicotyledonous plant cells
• use of microprojectiles in inserting DNA into monocotyledonous plant cells (e.g. in creating Golden
Rice TM and Golden Rice 2)
f) discuss the advantages and disadvantages of ways that have been used to identify transformed cells
including antibiotic resistance genes and green fluorescent protein (GFP) genes
g) outline how genes are inserted into target cells in gene therapy (limited to liposomes and viral vectors)
h) explain the limitations, both potential and actual, of gene therapy as a treatment for genetic conditions
(including cystic fibrosis and severe combined immunodeficiency [SCID])