Contextual Outline Because all living things have a finite life span, the survival of each species depends on the ability of individual organisms to reproduce. The continuity of life is assured when the chemical information that defines it is passed on from one generation to the next on the chromosomes. Modern molecular biology is providing opportunities to alter the information transferred from one generation to the next in technologies such as cloning and in the production of transgenic species. The segregation and independent assortment of the genetic information within a species provides the variation necessary to produce some individuals with characteristics that better suit them to surviving and reproducing in their environment. Changes in the environment may act on these variations. The identification of mutations and their causes becomes important in preventing mutations and in identifying and potentially nullifying the effects of mutations in living organisms. This module increases students’ understanding of the history, nature and practice of biology, the applications and uses of biology, the implications of biology for society and the environment and current issues, research and developments in biology.
