Grade 12:

LIFE SCIENCES

Term 1 Strand 1

Strand 1: Life at Molecular, Cellular and Tissue Level

All living organisms are made of atoms which combine to form molecules. Of these, DNA (or Deoxyribonucleic Acid) carries the genetic
code for cell specialisation and cell functioning and DNA packages, as genes, determine what an organism will look like and how it will
function. Plant and animal cells have a complex organisation which enables them to carry out the basic processes of life, i.e. movement,
nutrition, respiration, excretion, growth, reproduction and responding to stimuli. Cells are specialised and form tissues which perform
particular functions. Tissues are arranged into organs which are also specialised to carry out particular functions.
In order to understand species, speciation, biodiversity and change, it is essential to understand how DNA and chromosomes enable continuity and change.

TOPIC & TIME

DNA:
The Code
of Life

2weeks
(10 hours)

2 weeks
(8 hours)

CONTENT
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
- Location in the cell; chromosomes, genes and extranuclear DNA;
- Discovery of the structure DNA by Watson, Crick, Franklin and Wilkins;
- Structure of DNA;
- Role of DNA: genes and non-coding DNA;
- Replication: cell cycle (link to Grade 10): necessity for exact copy.
Ribonucleic Acid (RNA)
- Types and location in cells;
- Structure of RNA;
- Transcription from DNA;
- Translation of RNA into proteins (protein synthesis) (mRNA, tRNA):
sequence of events; and
- Genetic code (basic understanding).
Meiosis Meiosis: the process of reduction division
- purposes of reduction division (gametogenesis and exceptions: mosses,
ferns);
- importance of meiosis: diploid to haploid: production of gametes;
- introduction of genetic variation (random segregation, crossing over);
- consequences of abnormal meiosis, e.g., Downs syndrome
Mitosis and meiosis
Similarities and differences between mitosis and meiosis (link to Grade 10)

INVESTIGATIONS

RESOURCES

If possible:
Perform a simple process to
extract DNA and examine
the threads
If possible:
DNA finger printing/DNA
profiling: (case study only)

Textbooks
Micrographs
Equipment
Chemicals

Observe and draw prepared

microscope slides,
micrographs or models of cells
in selected stages of
meiotic cell division, e.g.,
crossing over in metaphase
I; anaphase I, metaphase II,
telophase II.

Textbooks
Posters
Models
Microscopes
Prepared microscope
slides or micrographs