The control of gene expression (A-level only) – A Level AQA Biology revision notes
Choose a subtopic. The control of gene expression (A-level only) covers Alteration of the sequence of bases in DNA can alter the structure of proteins (A-level only), Gene expression is controlled by a number of features (A-level only), Using genome projects (A-level only), and Gene technologies allow the study and alteration of gene function allowing a better understanding of organism function and the design of new... in A Level AQA Biology. 20 lessons in 4 subtopics.
Revise The control of gene expression (A-level only) for A Level AQA Biology. 20 lessons across 4 subtopics.
20
Lessons
4
Subtopics
What this topic covers
The control of gene expression (A-level only) has 4 subtopics:
Alteration of the sequence of bases in DNA can alter the structure of proteins (A-level only)
Gene expression is controlled by a number of features (A-level only)
Using genome projects (A-level only)
Gene technologies allow the study and alteration of gene function allowing a better understanding of organism function and the design of new...
The control of gene expression (A-level only) lessons by subtopic
20 lessons, grouped by subtopic.
Alteration of the sequence of bases in DNA can alter the structure of proteins (A-level only)
Types and Effects of Gene Mutations: Explain how the degenerate nature of the genetic code means that some point mutations do not alter the encoded amino acid; Describe how insertion and deletion mutations cause a frameshift, altering all downstream triplets; Compare the effects of substitution, insertion, and deletion mutations on the structure of the encoded polypeptide
Causes and Consequences of Mutations: Describe the six types of gene mutation: addition, deletion, substitution, inversion, duplication, and translocation of bases; Explain how gene mutations arise spontaneously during DNA replication and how mutagenic agents increase mutation rate; Analyse how different mutation types alter the amino acid sequence of an encoded polypeptide
Gene expression is controlled by a number of features (A-level only)
Stem Cell Potency: Totipotent and Pluripotent Cells: Define totipotent and pluripotent stem cells using precise AQA terminology; Explain how selective gene expression during development leads to cell specialisation; Describe the limited window during which totipotent cells exist in early mammalian embryos
Multipotent and Unipotent Cells: Specialization and iPS Cells: Distinguish between multipotent and unipotent stem cells, with reference to their location and differentiation potential in mature mammals; Explain the process of cardiomyocyte formation as an example of unipotent cell specialisation; Describe how induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells are produced from adult somatic cells using protein transcription factors
Oncogenes and Tumour Suppressor Genes: Explain the roles of proto-oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes in regulating the cell cycle; Describe how mutations convert proto-oncogenes into oncogenes and inactivate tumour suppressor genes; Explain how abnormal methylation of oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes contributes to tumour development
Oestrogen and Tumour Types: Explain how increased oestrogen concentrations contribute to the development of some breast cancers; Describe the main characteristics of benign tumours; Describe the main characteristics of malignant tumours
Genetic/Environmental Factors & Cancer Treatment: Evaluate evidence showing correlations between genetic and environmental factors and various forms of cancer; Explain the roles of oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes in the development of cancer; Interpret how knowledge of oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes is applied in the prevention, treatment, and cure of cancer
Hormones, Transcription Factors and Data Analysis: Explain how oestrogen acts as a steroid hormone to initiate transcription via transcription factors; Describe how transcription factors move from the cytoplasm into the nucleus to stimulate or inhibit transcription of target genes; Interpret data from investigations into gene expression, identifying trends and drawing evidence-based conclusions
RNA Interference and Epigenetics in Disease: Learn about RNA interference (RNAi) and its role in inhibiting translation, and examine the relevance of epigenetics in the development and treatment of diseases like cancer.
Using genome projects (A-level only)
Genome Sequencing & Proteome Determination: Describe the scope and significance of genome sequencing projects across a range of organisms, including humans; Explain how determining the genome of simpler organisms allows the proteome to be determined; Analyse how proteome data can be applied to identify potential antigens for vaccine production
Genomes, Proteomes, and Sequencing Methods: Explain why knowledge of the genome cannot easily be translated into the proteome in complex organisms; Describe the role of non-coding DNA and regulatory genes in complicating genome-to-proteome translation; Compare earlier and more recent sequencing methods, including the shift to automated approaches
Gene technologies allow the study and alteration of gene function allowing a better understanding of organism function and the design of new...
Creating DNA Fragments: Explain how reverse transcriptase converts mRNA into complementary DNA (cDNA); Describe how restriction enzymes are used to cut a specific DNA fragment containing a desired gene; Explain how a gene machine synthesises a gene artificially from known nucleotide sequences
Assembling and Amplifying DNA: Learn about adding promoter and terminator regions, inserting DNA fragments into vectors using restriction endonucleases and ligases, and amplifying DNA fragments through PCR and host cell culture.
Applications and Implications: Explain how marker genes are used to identify successfully transformed (GM) cells or organisms; Interpret information relating to the use of recombinant DNA technology in agriculture, industry, and medicine; Evaluate the ethical, financial, and social issues associated with the ownership and application of recombinant DNA technology
Understanding Genetic Fingerprinting (Part 1/3): Explain what variable number tandem repeats (VNTRs) are and why they differ between individuals; Describe the process of genetic fingerprinting, including the role of PCR in amplifying DNA fragments; Analyse how genetic fingerprinting is used to determine genetic relationships between individuals
Understanding Genetic Fingerprinting (Part 2/3): Describe the principles behind genetic fingerprinting, including the use of variable number tandem repeats (VNTRs) and short tandem repeats (STRs); Explain the stages of producing a genetic fingerprint, from DNA extraction through to gel electrophoresis and visualisation; Compare the genetic profiles of individuals and evaluate the reliability of genetic fingerprinting as evidence
Inorganic Ions, Osmoregulation and DNA Probes for Genetic Screening: Explain the roles of inorganic ions in cells and body fluids, describe osmoregulation as the control of blood water potential, use labelled DNA probes and hybridisation to locate alleles, and evaluate genetic screening.
Interpreting Gel Electrophoresis Results (Part 1/3): Explain the biological principles that underpin genetic fingerprinting, including the role of variable number tandem repeats (VNTRs); Describe the technique of genetic fingerprinting, including how DNA fragments produced by PCR are analysed; Evaluate the use of genetic fingerprinting in determining genetic relationships between individuals
Interpreting Gel Electrophoresis Results (Part 2/3): Interpret gel electrophoresis results to identify and compare DNA fragment sizes using a DNA ladder; Explain how genetic fingerprinting is used in forensic science, medical diagnosis, and animal and plant breeding; Analyse banding patterns from gel electrophoresis to draw conclusions about genetic relationships or identity
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What is The control of gene expression (A-level only)?
The control of gene expression (A-level only) covers Alteration of the sequence of bases in DNA can alter the structure of proteins (A-level only), Gene expression is controlled by a number of features (A-level only), Using genome projects (A-level only), and Gene technologies allow the study and alteration of gene function allowing a better understanding of organism function and the design of new... in A Level AQA Biology. 20 lessons in 4 subtopics.
What are haematopoietic stem cells?
Haematopoietic stem cells are multipotent stem cells in mature mammals that produce the cells of the blood lineages. The Multipotent and Unipotent Cells: Specialization and iPS Cells notes cover this in full.
What is metastasis?
Metastasis is when cells break away from a primary malignant tumour, having lost the adhesion molecules that keep normal cells anchored, enter blood or lymphatic vessels and travel to distant sites, where they seed secondary tumours. The Oestrogen and Tumour Types notes cover this in full.
What did the Human Genome Project find?
The Human Genome Project, completed in 2003, sequenced the human genome of about 3.2 Gb and found approximately 20,000–25,000 protein-coding genes, far fewer than many scientists had predicted. The Genome Sequencing & Proteome Determination notes cover this in full.
What is familial adenomatous polyposis?
Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a condition in which individuals inherit one defective copy of the APC tumour suppressor gene. The Genetic/Environmental Factors & Cancer Treatment notes cover this in full.
What is epigenetics?
Epigenetics is heritable changes in gene function that do not involve any change to the base sequence of DNA. The Epigenetic Control: Methylation, Acetylation & Heritability notes cover this in full.
Which transcription factors are used to make iPS cells?
The original iPS cell work used four transcription factors: Oct4, Sox2, Klf4 and c-Myc, proteins normally active in embryonic stem cells. The Multipotent and Unipotent Cells: Specialization and iPS Cells notes cover this in full.
What are embryonic stem cells?
Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent cells from the inner cell mass of the blastocyst. The Stem Cell Potency: Totipotent and Pluripotent Cells notes cover this in full.
What are the six types of gene mutation?
The six types of gene mutation are substitution, where one base is replaced by another; addition, where bases are inserted; deletion, where bases are removed; inversion, where a segment is reversed in place; duplication, where a segment is copied and inserted next to the original; and translocation, where a segment moves to a new position in the genome. The Causes and Consequences of Mutations notes cover this in full.