Unit 2: Continuity of the human species

2.2 Reproduction

a) Sexual reproduction as a cellular event.
b) Gametes carry genetic information from parents to offspring.
c) The advantages of placental development, long gestation and infant dependency.
d) The macroscopic structures of the male reproductive system: scrotum, penis, testes, seminiferous tubules, epididymis, vas deferens, accessory glands, urethra.
e) The macroscopic structures of the female reproductive system: labia, vagina, clitoris, ovaries, fimbriae, uterine tubes, uterus, endometrium, and cervix.
f) Stages of the menstrual and ovarian cycles, natural forms of contraception.
g) The function of the reproductive systems: meiosis and gametogenesis, erection, semen, insemination, orgasm, transport of egg and sperm, survival times of gametes, fertilisation, implantation, signs and symptoms of pregnancy, identical and non-identical twins.
h) Hormones as regulators of the development and maintenance of reproductive structures and behaviours.
i) The roles of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, HCG and prolactin. (Feedback loops are not necessary.)
j) The mechanisms, effects, cost, side effects and ethical issues associated with the use of artificial forms of contraception. Sterilisation.
k) Sexually transmitted diseases: syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia, herpes, AIDS, causative agents, effects, treatment and control.
l) The aetiology of breast, cervical, testicular and prostate cancers and the importance of self-examination and screening for these cancers.

m) Oxytocin and prostaglandins.
n) Causes and treatment of infertility, artificial insemination by donor, in-vitro fertilisation, surrogacy, ethical issues.

Unit 2: Continuity of the human species

General objectives: On completion of Unit 2, you should be able to:

• explain that cells carry out the life-sustaining processes of cellular respiration, synthesis and growth
• explain how the structures of tissues, cells and cellular organelles are related to the functions that they perform
• describe the role of DNA, enzymes and ATP in cellular metabolism
• discuss the nature, types and causes of cancer, preventative measures and treatments
• relate the structure of reproductive cells and organ systems to the functions they perform
• explain how decisions relating to sexual behaviour, the control of pregnancy and treatment of infertility involve consideration of relevant physiological, social and moral factors
• discuss the structural, physiological, behavioural and intellectual changes that occur during human development and senescence
• explain how genetic and environmental factors influence all aspects of human development and senescence
• describe the causative organisms, effects of and treatments for, sexually transmitted diseases and the social factors influencing their spread
• demonstrate competence in preparing wet mount slides, staining slides by irrigation, and using a monocular microscope to observe slides using both low and high power objective lenses
• demonstrate an interest in the scientific study of human problems and be willing to use scientific approaches to dealing with these problems
• display empathy towards individuals with physical, social and intellectual disabilities.

Unit 2 is broken up into the following units. The content covered in each of these topics is listed below. The points in normal type can be expected to be covered in tests. The points typed in italics at the end of each topic are not always covered and if they are, they are assessed in work other than tests.

2.1 Cell Structure and Metabolism
2.2 Reproduction
2.3 Pregnancy
2.4 Infancy and Childhood
2.5 Adolescence, Adulthood and Senescence