AQA · GCSE · Biology
Course version: 8461 · Version from Sept 2018
Embryo transplants: splitting apart cells from a developing animal embryo…
Full specification wording
Cloning (biology only): Embryo transplants: splitting apart cells from a developing animal embryo before they become specialised, then transplanting the identical embryos into host mothers.
Embryo transplants are an artificial cloning technique used in animal breeding.
Checked against the AQA 8461 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 3 of 6
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Embryo transplants are an artificial cloning technique used in animal breeding. A donor female is treated with hormones so that she releases several eggs, which are fertilised by a chosen male. The resulting embryo is allowed to divide a few times, then it is split into separate cells or small groups of cells while they are still unspecialised. Each part can develop into a complete embryo because the cells have not yet differentiated. The identical embryos are transplanted into host mothers, where they develop and are born. The offspring are clones of one another, though not of either parent, and a single valuable mating can produce many identical animals. The method is quicker than waiting for several pregnancies and allows desirable characteristics to be multiplied.
What earns the marks
- Embryo transplants begin with fertilisation of eggs from a donor female by a chosen male.
- The developing embryo is split into separate cells or groups of cells before the cells become specialised.
- Each separated cell or group can grow into a complete embryo because the cells are still unspecialised.
- The identical embryos are transplanted into host mothers, which carry them to birth.
- The resulting offspring are genetically identical to one another, so they are clones.
- The technique allows many identical offspring to be produced from one valuable mating.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Saying the embryos are split after the cells become specialised.
Put it right by stating that splitting must happen before specialisation.
Confusing embryo transplants with adult cell cloning.
Put it right by noting that embryo transplants start from a fertilised embryo, not from an adult body cell.
Thinking the host mother contributes genes.
Put it right by explaining that she only provides the environment for development.
Exam tips
- Use the phrase before they become specialised when describing when the embryo is split.
- Make clear that the host mother does not pass on her genes to the offspring.
- Link the technique to its purpose, such as producing many identical animals from one desirable pair.
Try the lesson
The start of the Cloning (biology only): Embryo transplants: splitting apart cells from a developing animal embryo before they become specialised, then transplanting the identical embryos into host mothers. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
In an embryo transplant, what is done with the cells from a developing animal embryo?
Listen
Embryo transplants are an artificial cloning technique used in animal breeding. A donor female is treated with hormones so that she releases several eggs, which are fertilised by a chosen male. The resulting embryo is allowed to divide a few times, then it is split into separate cells or small groups of cells while they are still unspecialised. Each part can develop into a complete embryo because the cells have not yet differentiated. The identical embryos are transplanted into host mothers, where they develop and are born. The offspring are clones of one another, though not of either parent, and a single valuable mating can produce many identical animals. The method is quicker than waiting for several pregnancies and allows desirable characteristics to be multiplied. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Embryo transplants begin with fertilisation of eggs from a donor female by a chosen male. The developing embryo is split into separate cells or groups of cells before the cells become specialised. Each separated cell or group can grow into a complete embryo because the cells are still unspecialised. The identical embryos are transplanted into host mothers, which carry them to birth. A common slip: Saying the embryos are split after the cells become specialised. Instead, stating that splitting must happen before specialisation. Exam tip: Use the phrase before they become specialised when describing when the embryo is split.
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