Chromosome mutations (OCR A-level Biology)

This fully-resourced lesson explores the contributions of chromosome mutations to genetic variation. The engaging PowerPoint and accompanying worksheets have been designed and written to cover the part of point 6.1.2 (a) of the OCR A-level Biology A specification which states that students should be able to demonstrate and apply their knowledge and understanding of the contribution of genetic factors to phenotypic variation

Over the course of the lesson, students will encounter a number of chromosome mutations and see the conditions which they cause. Time is taken to look at non-disjunction and how this can result in Down, Turner’s and Klinefelter’s syndromes. Students are guided through a description of the formation of gametes and zygotes with abnormal numbers of chromosomes before being challenged to describe the formation of a zygote with Turner’s syndrome. Moving forwards, translocation and polyploidy are also discussed. Progress checks are written into the lesson at regular intervals, that not only check the learning from this lesson but also from related topics (such as meiosis) and this enables the students to constantly assess their understanding.