Biology · Continuity and change
D3.1 — Reproduction
Biology · SL / HL · syllabus-mapped notes
D3.1.1
Differences between sexual and asexual reproduction
Contrast sexual and asexual reproduction across six points.
D3.1.2
Role of meiosis and fusion of gametes in the sexual life cycle
Explain why meiosis and gamete fusion must balance in a sexual life cycle.
D3.1.3
Differences between male and female sexes in sexual reproduction
Contrast male and female gametes, and distinguish isogamy from anisogamy.
D3.1.4
Anatomy of the human male and female reproductive systems
Annotate the human male and female reproductive systems with the function of each structure.
D3.1.5
Changes during the ovarian and uterine cycles and their hormonal regulation
Explain the ovarian and uterine cycles and the roles of the four hormones.
D3.1.6
Fertilization in humans
Explain the steps of fertilization in humans.
D3.1.7
Use of hormones in in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment
Explain the use of down-regulation, FSH and hCG in IVF treatment.
D3.1.8
Sexual reproduction in flowering plants
Explain pollination, fertilization and embryo development in flowering plants.
D3.1.9
Features of an insect-pollinated flower
Draw a half-view of an insect-pollinated flower and explain its features.
D3.1.10
Methods of promoting cross-pollination
Explain the three methods of promoting cross-pollination, and why inbreeding is costly.
D3.1.11
Self-incompatibility mechanisms to increase genetic variation within a species
Explain self-incompatibility and its genetic basis.
D3.1.12
Dispersal and germination of seeds
Explain seed dispersal and its methods, and distinguish it from pollination.
D3.1.13
Control of the developmental changes of puberty by gonadotropin-releasing hormone and steroid sex hormones
Explain how GnRH and the steroid sex hormones control the changes of puberty.
D3.1.14
Spermatogenesis and oogenesis in humans
Contrast spermatogenesis and oogenesis across the four stages.
D3.1.15
Mechanisms to prevent polyspermy
Explain the acrosome and cortical reactions as mechanisms preventing polyspermy.
D3.1.16
Development of a blastocyst and implantation in the endometrium
Explain blastocyst development and implantation in the endometrium.
D3.1.17
Pregnancy testing by detection of human chorionic gonadotropin secretion
Explain hCG's role in pregnancy and how a pregnancy test detects it.
D3.1.18
Role of the placenta in foetal development inside the uterus
Explain the structure of the placenta and what crosses it in each direction.
D3.1.19
Hormonal control of pregnancy and childbirth
Explain the hormonal control of pregnancy, and the positive feedback loop of childbirth.
D3.1.20
Hormone replacement therapy and the risk of coronary heart disease
Explain why the apparent link between HRT and reduced coronary heart disease was not causal.