Skip to content

Genetics, Evolution and Ecosystems

Module 6 completes the A level course by exploring how genes control cell function and development, how populations evolve and speciate, and how organisms interact with their environments. It also introduces the practical techniques used to manipulate DNA and applies them to biotechnology, medicine and agriculture. The module ends by placing individual organisms in the context of populations, ecosystems and the biosphere.

Core Role

  • Cover gene expression control at transcriptional, post-transcriptional and post-translational levels, including the lac operon, homeobox genes and apoptosis.
  • Extend inheritance to dihybrid crosses, sex linkage, codominance, epistasis, chi-squared analysis and Hardy-Weinberg.
  • Cover the practical techniques: DNA sequencing (Sanger method), PCR, gel electrophoresis and genetic engineering.
  • Cover cloning (natural and artificial; plants and animals) and biotechnology (fermentation, immobilised enzymes).
  • Cover ecosystems: succession, GPP/NPP, nitrogen and carbon cycles, sampling methods, predator-prey dynamics, competition and sustainable management.

Learning Objective Map

Each Module 6 topic page now opens with a specification-aligned Learning Objectives section. Use these links to move from the high-level genetic or ecological theme to the exact teaching sections that deliver it.

Topic Objective map focus
6.1.1 Cellular control mutations; gene expression control; homeobox genes; apoptosis
6.1.2 Patterns of inheritance inheritance patterns; chi-squared; Hardy-Weinberg; selection and speciation
6.1.3 Manipulating genomes sequencing; profiling; engineering; gene therapy
6.2.1 Cloning and biotechnology plant and animal cloning; fermentation; immobilised enzymes
6.3.1 Ecosystems succession; energy flow; nutrient cycles; sampling
6.3.2 Populations and sustainability population dynamics; competition; speciation; conservation

Topic Pages