VCE Biology Unit 2: Home

Investigation of an issue

The increasing uses and applications of genetics knowledge and reproductive science in society both provide benefits for individuals and populations and raise social, economic, legal and ethical questions. Human cloning, genetic modification of organisms, the use of forensic DNA databanks, assisted reproductive technologies and prenatal and predictive genetic testing challenge social and ethical norms. In this area of study, students apply and extend their knowledge and skills developed in Areas of Study 1 and/or 2 to investigate an issue involving reproduction and/or inheritance. They communicate the findings of their investigation and explain the biological concepts, identify different opinions, outline the legal, social and ethical implications for the individual and/or species and justify their conclusions. Material for the investigation can be gathered from laboratory work, computer simulations and modelling, literature searches, global databases and interviews with experts.

Key knowledge

• the characteristics of effective science communication: accuracy of biological information; clarity of explanation of biological concepts, ideas and models; contextual clarity with reference to importance and implications of findings; conciseness and coherence; and appropriateness for purpose and audience
• the biological concepts specific to the investigation: definitions of key terms; use of appropriate biological terminology, conventions and representations
• the use of data representations, models and theories in organising and explaining observed phenomena and biological concepts, and their limitations
• the nature of evidence and information: distinction between opinion, anecdote and evidence, weak and strong evidence, and scientific and non-scientific ideas; and validity, reliability and authority of data including sources of possible errors or bias
• the influence of social, economic, legal and ethical factors relevant to the selected biological issue.

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Biotechnology is the application of technology to improve the biological function of an organism by adding genes from another organism [transgenics]. Genetic engineering is the basic tool of biotechnology.

Genetic engineering involves:

• Isolating genes;
• Modifying genes so they function better;
• Preparing genes to be inserted into a new species;
• Developing transgenes. 

Transgenics enables:

• the development of organisms to express a 'novel' trait not normally found in the species [e.g., extend the shelf-life tomatoes, herbicide-resistant soybean];
• the study of gene function and regulation;
• the generation of new tools for other fields of research [e.g., bio-steel;
• cures for genetic diseases;
• the improvement of agriculture and related materials [e.g., insect-resistant cotton and corn; virus-resistant papaya];
• the generation of new systems or sources for bio-engineered drugs [the use of plants instead of animals or bacteria], e.g., edible vaccines.