TMJC The Cell Cycle Notes

Page 1 of 55 Tampines Meridian Junior College JC1 H2/9744 Biology 2023 Core Idea 2 4. Genetics & Inheritance (I) – The Cell Cycle SYLLABUS OVERVIEW No. Overarching Idea Topics 1 Core Idea 1 The Cell and Biomolecules of Life Cell – The Basic Unit of Life 2 Biomolecules of Life and Cellular Transport 3 Core Idea 3 Energy and Equilibrium Transformation of Energy – Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration 4 Core Idea 2 Genetics and Inheritance Genetics and Inheritance (I) – The Cell Cycle 5 Genetics and Inheritance (II) – DNA Replication and Gene Expression 6 Genetics and Inheritance (III) – DNA Mutations and their Consequences 7 Genetics and Inheritance (IV) – Molecular Techniques in DNA Analysis 8 Genetics and Inheritance (V) – Organization of Genome & Control of Gene Expression in Eukaryotes [Includes Core Idea 1D: Stem Cells] 9 Genetics and Inheritance (VI) – Organization and Inheritance of Viral Genomes 10 Genetics and Inheritance (VII) – Organization of Genome & Control of Gene Expression in Prokaryotes 11 Genetics and Inheritance (VIII) - Inheritance 12 Core Idea 3 Energy and Equilibrium Communication and Equilibrium in Multicellular Organisms 13 Core Idea 4 Biological Evolution Biological Evolution 14 Extension Topic A Infectious Diseases Immunity and Infectious Diseases 15 Extension Topic B Impact of Climate Change on Animals & Plants Climate Change – Causes and Impacts on Animals and Plants

Page 2 of 55 NARRATIVES An understanding of Genetics and Inheritance that would help make sense of the transition from molecular to organismal level. Genetics and Inheritance provides the molecular basis to the understanding of how variations in populations arise and this is important in the study of biological evolution. At the cellular level, expression of genes involves cellular structures such as the nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum and ribosome. Many essential products of gene expression are enzymes involved in biochemical pathways which control physiological functions. As such, mutation of genes may give rise to dysfunctional proteins which in turn could result in diseases. Sickle cell anemia and cancer are raised as examples of a monogenic and a mul ti-genic disease respectively. The following questions should help students frame their learning: • How does the genetic make-up of an organism influence its appearance, behavior and survival? • How does the inheritance of genetic information ensure the continuity of humans as a species? The cell cycle is tightly regulated The cell cycle comprises interphase, nuclear division and cytokinesis. There are two types of nuclear division: mitosis and meiosis. A cell cycle that involves mitosis will give rise to genetically identical cells and this is important for growth, repair a nd asexual reproduction of organisms. This cycle is coupled intricately and inexplicably with another important process of the living cell i.e. DNA replic