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Keycap Digit One

Theme D - Continuity & Change

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Direct Hit

Theme A - Unity & Diversity

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Page Facing Up

Theme B - Form & Function

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Pill

Theme C - Interaction &  Interdependence

<ul>
	<li>Mutation: Think of mutations like typos in the genetic code.</li>
	<li>Germ Cells: The cells that make babies! 🍼 (i.e., gametes &ndash; egg &amp; sperm).</li>
	<li>Somatic Cells: Every other cell in the body. From the tip of your toe to the top of your head!</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>These mutations occur in our reproductive cells (gametes).</li>
	<li>If there&#39;s a mutation, it can be passed on to the offspring (like passing on a secret recipe).
	<ul>
		<li>Good News: Occasionally, the mutation gives the baby a superpower (advantage). 🦸&zwj;♂️</li>
		<li>Bad News: Most of the time, it might cause a genetic disease (like inheriting a broken toy).</li>
		<li>Pro Tip: So, we want to keep the number of mutations in our gametes low! Especially in the gonads (the fancy word for ovaries and testes).</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>These mutations happen in our body cells.</li>
	<li>Once the person passes away, the mutation goes with them (like a personal secret). It won&#39;t be passed down.</li>
	<li>If a cell messes up because of a mutation, it&#39;s generally okay because it can be replaced (think of a Lego piece).</li>
</ul>

Wait! Hold up! There&#39;s a plot twist... 🌪

<ul>
	<li>They control the cell&#39;s life cycle. It&#39;s like a traffic light for cell growth!</li>
	<li>The Drama: If these genes mutate, they can become oncogenes &ndash; the bad guys.
	<ul>
		<li>Oncogenes can cause cancer because they mess with the cell&#39;s traffic light, causing cells to multiply uncontrollably.</li>
		<li>Think of it like a car engine that doesn&#39;t turn off and keeps revving&mdash;leading to a pile-up or a tumor.</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
</ul>

🔍 Deep Dive Topic: The cell cycle, cell division, and the link to cancer are described in Topic D2.1. Imagine the cell cycle as the life story of a cell. From its birth, growth, and eventually, its division into new cells. Sometimes, like in any good story, things go wrong &ndash; hence, cancer.

<ul>
	<li>Germ Cells: If parents have certain genetic conditions, they might undergo genetic counseling to understand the risk for their children.</li>
	<li>Somatic Cells: Ever got a sunburn? UV rays can cause mutations in skin cells. That&#39;s why too much sun exposure can increase the risk of skin cancer.</li>
	<li>Proto-oncogenes: They are like the software system of a factory. If the software gets a bug (mutation), the factory might produce way too many products uncontrollably, leading to a problem. In our bodies, that problem is cancer.</li>
</ul>

Final Words: Remember, mutations aren&#39;t always bad. They&#39;re nature&#39;s way of trying new things. But like any experiment, there can be unexpected results. Protect yourself (especially from too much sun ☀️) and always be curious about the world inside you! 🧬🔬🌍

Theme D - Continuity & Change

Consequences of Mutations in Germ vs. Somatic Cells

Table of content

Let's Dive Right In! 📖

Germ Cell Mutations - 🥚 + 🧬 = 👶

Somatic Cell Mutations - 💅 + 🧬

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Theme D - Continuity & Change

Consequences of Mutations in Germ vs. Somatic Cells

Table of content

Let's Dive Right In! 📖

Germ Cell Mutations - 🥚 + 🧬 = 👶

Somatic Cell Mutations - 💅 + 🧬

Unlock the Full Content!