11B genetic codes and genetic engineering

BTEC Assignment Brief
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Applied
Qualification
Science
Unit number and title
Unit 11: Genetics and Genetic engineering
Learning aim(s) (For B: Explore how the process of cell division in eukaryotic cells
NQF only) contributes to genetic variation
Assignment title Cell division
Assessor
Issue date
Hand in deadline

You are a trainee lab technician supporting the Histology
Department in a medical laboratory. As part of your induction,
you have been asked to demonstrate how to set up a microscope,
prepare microscope slides to observe and draw the stages of
Vocational Scenario or mitosis and meiosis.
Context
You must prepare a report which includes evidence of your
practical work, and discusses and explains the structure, function
and behaviour of the chromosomes during cell division and
evaluates how this leads to variation.

Task 1 Demonstrate how to set up a microscope and skilfully prepare
microscope slides in order to observe and draw stages in
mitosis and meiosis. Explain the structure and function of
chromosomes and discuss and evaluate how their behaviour
during mitosis and meiosis leads to variation.

Skilfully and independently prepare:

 three microscope slides to observe a minimum of four
stages of mitosis e.g. root tip squash
 three microscope slides to observe a minimum of four
stages of meiosis e.g. lily anther squash
Demonstrate the ability to apply a stain/fixer (if required),
squash the specimen, and apply a cover slip to exclude air from
the prepared slides.

Safely and independently handle and set up a light microscope.

Manoeuvre the slide(s) under different magnifications to obtain a
field of view of the material that you have prepared. Your
assessor/tutor will validate your level of expertise by completing
an observation record.

Demonstrate good practice to produce biological drawings of
your specimens that:
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,  each includes a title
 are drawn in pencil
 have clear outlines (not sketched)
 have no heavy shading
 gives the magnification used

A minimum of four stages of mitosis and four stages of
meiosis must be drawn. It may be possible to view all four stages
of mitosis/meiosis on one slide. In this case only one diagram for
mitosis and one for meiosis, showing the minimum number of
stages is required.

Accurately label and identify the stages in your biological
drawings.
Remember to include your drawings and tutor/assessor
observation record in your report.

Explain in detail how and why the structure of the human
chromosome relates to the function. Your explanations must
include:

 centromere
 chromatids
 autosomes
 sex chromosomes
 chromosome number
 homologous
 non-homologous chromosomes

Using the information from your practical work and referenced
supplementary material from secondary sources, discuss the
behaviour of the chromosomes during mitosis and meiosis in each
stage of cell division, including the similarities and differences
between plant and animal cells. Ensure you cover:

 Mitosis - interphase, prophase, metaphase, anaphase,
telophase
 Meiosis - interphase, prophase I, metaphase I, anaphase I,
telophase I, cytokinesis, interkinesis, prophase II,
metaphase II, anaphase II, telophase II, cytokinesis

Evaluate the significance of chromosomal behaviour during cell
division. Provide justified arguments for and against the behaviour
of independent assortment and crossing over leading to variation
within an organism.
Checklist of evidence A report that includes:
required
 observation records showing how you worked safely and
skilfully to prepare and observe the stages of cell division
under a microscope
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BTEC Assignment Brief v1.0
BTEC Internal Assessment QDAM January 2015