Senior High School

ORIENTAL MINDORO NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

SUPPLEMENTARY LEARNING MATERIALS

Earth and Life Science

Quarter 2 –Module 2 (Week 3 – 4)

Unifying Themes in the Study of Life
and Animal Reproduction

Competencies:
1. Describe the different ways of how representative animals reproduce.
2. Describe the process of genetic engineering.
3. Evaluate the benefits and risks of using GMOs.
REPRODUCTION OF REPRESENTATIVE ANIMAL
What This Lesson is About
We are products of billions of years’ worth of evolution, and we know this much
thanks to reproduction. Through reproduction, nature has selected organisms that
have a gene pool that is capable of surviving and thriving. Animals have both
adapted and evolved to better fit their environments thanks to variation.
While us, humans, have goals in life some animals were born to reproduce and
die immediately after. So now you ask, why is reproducing offspring so important to
animals? This is one of question that we will be answering into later, on this module.
In this lesson, we will understand key concepts about the complexities of
reproduction in animals and synthesize our learning at the end. Lastly, this lesson
will also allow you to appreciate the true importance of why a continuity of a species
is important.

What I Need to Know

According to the UN, there are about 360,000 babies born every day in the
world. Reproduction is one of the key survivals of a species – it is a way to continue
life. A male and a female organism will mate and produce an offspring. These parent
organisms will then pass on genetic information to their offspring, and in time, their
offspring will pass their own genetic information as well.
From our previous lesson of mitosis and meiosis, we know that cellular
division plays an important role in reproduction. The relationship between these two
processes are vital to animal reproduction. Some organisms like cows, sheep, dogs
and will require two parent organisms (sexual reproduction) in order to reproduce an
offspring, while others do not (asexual reproduction).
In this lesson, we will be describing the different ways on how representative
animals reproduce. (S11/12LT-IIej-15)

Sexual vs. Asexual

Figure 2.1 shows

how sexual
and asexual
reproduction produces
offspring. In an asexual
reproduction, a parent
organism will not need a
mate or partner for it to
produce its own offspring.
The offspring of asexual
organisms are an exact
same copy of its parent
organism.
 Figure 2.1 A diagram of Asexual and Sexual Reproduction

In sexual reproduction, a male and female gamete is needed in order to

produce an offspring. In most instances, there is a male and female organism to
produce the gametes but, this isn’t always the case. Finding a partner for sexual
animals can sometimes prove difficult, and so, as an adaptive mechanism and
evolutionary solution, some animals exhibit hermaphroditism. This is when an
organism has both male and female reproductive system. This is common among
sessile (stationary) animals. In hermaphroditism, the organism may or may not have
a partner for fertilization to occur. Unlike, an asexual offspring, a sexual offspring is
genetically unique from its parent organisms. Notice how there are two apparent
sexes in sexual organisms, while there is no definite sex in the asexual organism.
Types of asexual reproduction

1. Binary Fission – occurs in single celled organisms. It is when a parent

cell divides itself into two equal parts and create an offspring. This type of
reproduction is like cloning as shown in figure 3. To easily remember and
understand the reproduction process of binary fission it is valuable to
remember what the terms mean. The word binary means something
having two parts (the new daughter bacteria) while the word fission means
the movement of splitting (the dividing of two equal parts). Ex. Bacteria

Binary Fission in Bacteria

2. Fragmentation – occurs when an organism breaks a part of itself into a

fragment, and the fragment develops into a new organism as shown in
figure 4. Ex. Starfish & acoel flatworms
 Starfish undergoing fragmentation

3. Budding – happens when a parent organism grows a bud attached to its

body. When the bud is developed it will detach itself from the parent and
form a new organism. Ex. Yeast and Jellyfish

https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-biology/chapter/phylum-cnidaria/

Figure 2.5 Jellyfish Lifecycle

4. Parthenogenesis – occurs when the embryo of an organism can grow

and develop without fertilization.
Ex. Some species of ants & Honeybees.
 https://www.britannica.com/animal/hymenopteran/Natural-history

Figure 2.6 Parthenogenesis in bees

Types Advantages Disadvantages

Sexual Reproduction - The population is less - Needs a partner to

likely to catch diseases reproduce.
all at once. - Takes more time to
- Has more chances of reproduce.
survival
- Has genetic variation.
Asexual Reproduction - Only one parent - Has less surviving
organism is needed to chances due to the
reproduce. lack of genetic
- Faster than sexual variation.
reproduction. - Population is more
likely to catch diseases
at the same time.

Table 2.1 Advantages and Disadvantages in Sexual and Asexual Reproduction

 What I Need to Know
Organisms are diverse, unique and have equally unique features that help
them survive in their environment. These features tailor to the animal’s environment,
size, habitat, and so many more factors. One unique feature is the way these
organisms undergo fertilization.

In this lesson we will have the following objectives:

Compare and contrast internal and external fertilization

Mechanisms of Fertilization

There are two types of fertilization – internal and external. Internal fertilization occurs
when the fusion of gametes is inside the female body, while an external fertilization
is the opposite where fusion of gametes is outside the female body.

The 3 types of internal fertilization

1. Oviparity – the female has

fertilized eggs laid outside its body.
The young will get nourishment from
its yolk and will be protected by the
external covering of the egg. The
types of eggs will vary in different
animals. Chicken eggs will have high
calcium carbonate concentrations,
while reptiles will produce leathery
eggs. Ex. Chickens 2. Viviparity – most common in mammals, the offspring
develops within the female and is
nourished by the mother’s blood in the
placenta. Ex. Bears

3. Ovoviviparity – like oviparity, ovoviviparity has

fertilized eggs that nourish the young from its yolk. The key difference between them, is that
ovoviviparous animals only lay the eggs when they are ready to hatch. Ex. Great White Sharks
 The table below will better summarize the
key difference and similarities of the two fertilization processes.

Table 2.2 Summary of Features for Internal and External Fertilization

INTERNAL EXTERNAL
FERTILIZATION FERTILIZATION
PROCESS - Egg is fertilized - Egg is fertilized
inside female body. outside female
body.
- Male gamete is
discharged unto the - Male gamete is
female gamete. discharged unto the
female gamete.
SUCCESS RATE - Since the offspring is - Has a less chance of
developed inside the survival because the
body of the female, it offspring develops
will have more without protection in
chances of surviving the open
even in harsh environment.
environments
because it is
protected.
KEY FEATURES - Has three types: - Survives best in
1. Oviparity moist/aquatic
2. Viviparity environments.
3. Ovoviviparity
- Has a greater
- few offspring are number of offspring
produced. produced.
EXAMPLES - Elephants, goats, - Fish and Frogs
and cats
- -
 What is It

The success of animal reproduction does not only end when an egg is
fertilized. It ends when the offspring can fully grow and eventually reproduce as well.
As mentioned before, reproduction is key to survival. We will all eventually die and
we need to make sure that our species continue through reproduction. Listed below
are the factors that affect reproductive success.

Factor #1: Predation

In the animal kingdom exists a food chain. At the top of the food chain there
are animals we call apex predators, while at the bottom of the food chain are animals
that are weak and easily hunted by predators. Apex predators are animals that hunt
and feed on other animals to survive and eventually reproduce. These predators are
never or rarely hunted by any other animal. On the other hand, since prey is easily
hunted their offspring is always compromised and in danger. The success for preys
to reproduce is greatly affected by the chances that these offspring get eaten when
they are still young or developing. The connection of these animals in the food chain
help maintain their progeny.

Factor # 2: Environment
To ensure a healthy offspring, the animal’s environment must also be
nurturing to the young. Temperature greatly affects the development and the urges
of an animal to mate. With the continuing rise of temperatures around the globe,
some animals are starting to dwindle in number and die before they even reproduce.
When the water becomes too warm, the fishes will have a hard time getting oxygen
and can eventually die when exposed to warm waters for longer periods of time.
Glaciers and ice caps are melting in the arctic, causing polar bears suffer health
conditions due to malnutrition.

Factor # 3: Human Interaction

Humans have been responsible for a lot of species extinction as we pose as
one of the greatest threats to animals. Polluting land, water, and air; hunting; and
deforesting are ways in which animal reproduction get disturbed. On the other hand,
there are some human interventions that try to reverse these effects and attempt to
save endangered species.

It is important to understand that the continuity of animals is vital to the

balance of ecosystems, and because there is a food chain, when one animal species
is threatened the whole food chain is threatened as well.

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 What I Need to Know

The stages of development of a human baby are complex and truly

fascinating.
In this lesson our objective will be able to understand how a human embryo
develops.

Before an egg cell can be fertilized by a sperm cell, both gametes need to be
mature and become spermatozoa and oocyte. For it to be mature, it first has to
undergo stages of development.

Stages of Development

Spermatogenesis Oogenesis
1. Spermatogonia Oogonia
2. Spermatocyte Oocyte
3. Spermatid
4. Spermatozoa

What’s In

Before we continue with fertilization, remember your previous lesson in mitosis and
meiosis? Well, they play very important roles in the development of a human embryo.
Mitosis has a product of two identical daughter cells. These cells are in charge of the
growth and replacement of dead cells in the body. Whereas meiosis has a product of
four sex cells, that oversees the development of our gametes for us to reproduce.

The first stages of Fertilization

There are two ways in which the human female reproductive cycle can end –
menstruation or pregnancy. If in the case it ends in pregnancy there are distinct
stages before a baby is born. After copulation, when the sperm cell successfully
merges with the egg cell, fertilization or conception happens. After 24 hours of the
conception, the zygote or the fertilized egg undergoes a series of cell division also
called the cleavage.
After cleavage, the zygote will undergo a series of growth divided into three
trimesters, or in forty weeks, before the baby is born. The table below gives a clear
description on what happens all throughout the duration of the pregnancy.

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 TRIMESTER WEEKS DESCRIPTION
1ST 0-12 The female body undergoes
drastic changes to prepare to
house the unborn child. The
body will also start to
experience pregnancy
symptoms like nausea and
fatigue.
The zygote starts developing
important features like the legs,
feet, arms, and hands.
2nd 13-26 By the end of the 12th week your
baby will have all the organs
present. It will continue to
develop to become functional.
The sex of the baby can be
determined. The heartbeat will
be audible.
The baby will move around the
womb more.
3rd 27-40 The baby will be able to see and
hear.
The baby will be able to
coordinate better like blink her
eyes and grasp.
The female could go into labor
at any time.

GENETIC ENGINEERING
& GMOs
Genetic Engineering Processes

Biotechnology is the use of biological techniques and

engineered organisms to make products or plants and animals that
have desired traits. In order to carry on this technology, it employs
different processes such as:

 Restriction Enzymes which is the cutting of the DNA strands into

fragments. It is basically used to create DNA fragments with sticky
ends or blunt ends that can join with other DNA fragments.

 Gel Electrophoresis separates DNA fragments by size. It is used

to study DNA fragments of various sizes.

 Recombinant DNA Technology is the combination of a DNA

fragment with the DNA from another source also called exogenous
DNA.
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  Gene Cloning is the production of the large numbers of identical
recombinant DNA molecules. It is used to create large amounts of
recombinant DNA to be used in genetically engineered organism.

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 DNA Sequencing is used to identify the DNA sequence of cloned
recombinant DNA molecule to further study. It is used to identify
errors in the DNA sequences to predict the function of a particular
gene and to compare to other genes with similar sequences from
different organisms.

 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) makes copies of specific

regions of sequenced DNA. It is used to copy DNA for any scientific
investigation including forensic analysis and medical testing.

3 Types of Genetic Modification

Plant Genetic Modification
The easiest method of plant genetic modification used by our wandering ancestors
and until today, is simple selection. That is, genetically heterogeneous population of
plants is inspected, and ―superior‖ individuals - plants with the most desired traits,
like improved palatability and yield - are selected for continued propagation.
ex. Production of pest-resistant plants ex. Increase of crop production

Animal Genetic Modification

Modern breeds of livestock differ dramatically from their ancestors as a result of
breeding strategies. Established and emerging biotechnology in animal agriculture
include assisted reproductive technologies; use of naturally occurring hormones,
such as recombinants, and biotechnologies to enhance reproductive efficiency
without affecting the genome; and biotechnologies to enhance expression of
desirable genes.
ex. Increase of milk production per cow ex. Double production of eggs in chickens

Genetic Modification of Microbes

Microorganisms play significant roles in food production. They serve as primary and
secondary roles in food fermentation and in food spoilage, and they can produce
enzymes or other metabolites used in food production and processing. Humans
have used and genetically modified microbes for centuries to produce food, wine,
bread, and cheese are common examples of ancient foods, still popular, depend on
microbial ingredients and activities.
ex. Increase microbe-dependent-food production
ex. Increase human immunity/ resistance to microbe-caused-diseases

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SUMMARY
Biotechnology – is the use of biological techniques and
engineered organisms to make products or plants
and animals that have desired traits.
DNA – Deoxyribonucleic Acid – is any of various nucleic acids that
are usually the molecular basis of heredity.

Exogenous DNA – is produced by growth from superficial tissue.

Gel Electrophoresis - separates DNA fragments by size.
Gene Cloning is the production of the large numbers of identical
recombinant DNA molecules.
Genetic Engineering – is a technology that involves manipulating
the DNA of one organism in order to insert the
DNA of another organism called exogenous DNA
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) – is an organism
whose genomes has been engineered in the
laboratory in order to favor the expression of
desired physiological traits or the reproduction of
desired biological products.
Genes – is a specific sequence of nucleotides in DNA or RNA that is
located usually on a chromosome and that is the
functional unit of inheritance controlling the
transmission and expression of one or more traits
by specifying the structure

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 Quarter 2 – Week 3 & 4
SUMMATIVE TEST

Multiple Choice. Read the sentences or questions carefully. Choose the letter of the correct
answer. Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper.

1. This is the ideal duration of pregnancy among humans.

a. 32 weeks b. 34 weeks c. 36 weeks d. 38 weeks
2. The zygote starts developing important features like the eggs, feet, arms and hands.
a. 0 – 12 weeks b. 13 – 26 weeks c. 27 – 40 weeks d. 41 and above
3. The baby will be able to coordinate better like blink her eyes and grasp
a. 0 – 12 weeks b. 13 – 26 weeks c. 27 – 40 weeks d. 41 and above
4. The sex of a baby can be determined and the heartbeat will be audible.
a. 0 – 12 weeks b. 13 – 26 weeks c. 27 – 40 weeks d. 41 and above
5. Which of the following is a type of sexual reproduction?
a. hermaphroditism b. fragmentation c. budding d. parthenogenesis
6. In what trimester is the baby ready to be born?
a. 4th b. 3rd c. 2nd d. 1st
7. A house lizard is , in terms of mechanism of reproduction.
a. Oviparous b. viviparous c. ovoviviparous d. asexual
8. Earthworms are in nature.
a. Asexual b. hermaphrodites c. none of the above d. all of the above
9. What do you call animals that are at the top of the food chain?
a. Apex predators b. prey c. ants d. lion
10. Which is not a factor for successful reproduction in animals?
a. Temperature b. humans c. predation d. asexual reproduction
11. The structure of the DNA is responsible for its ability to store information. It is double helix of
strands of building blocks called nucleotides. The following are nucleotides EXCEPT .
a. Adenine b. thymine c. amino acids d. guanine
12. It occurs in single celled organisms.
a. Binary fission b. fragmentation c. budding d. parthenogenesis
13. It occurs when the embryo of an organisms can grow and develop without fertilization.
a. Fragmentation b. budding c. parthenogenesis d. fragmentation
14. It happens when a parent organisms grows a bud attached to its body.
a. Fragmentation b. budding c. parthenogenesis d. binary fission
15. It occurs when an organism breaks a part of itself into a fragment.
a. Fragmentation b. budding c. parthenogenesis d. binary fission
16. Which of the following is not considered as a use of biotechnology?
a. use of plastic wrappers to make chairs, tables and other furniture.
b. use of living cells to make products such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverages
c. use of organisms such as bacteria to protect the environment
d. use of DNA science for the production of materials for diagnostics and research.
17. Which of following genetic engineering cannot modify?
a. Plants b. microbes c. animals d. rocks
18. Which of the following terms is not associated to genetic engineering?
a. Modification b. manipulation c. destruction d. biotechnology
19. Which of the following cites the disadvantage of GMOs?
a. It makes agricultural practices much safer. c. It can lead to more birth defects.
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 b. It can create an extended life. d. It reduces the risks of depleted
water supply.
20. What Genetic Engineering process occurs when DNA strands are cut into fragments?
a. Recombinant DNA c. Recombinant DNA technology
b. Restriction DNA d. DNA sequencing

True or False. Write the word TRUE if the statement is correct and the word FALSE if it is not.

21. Both internal and external fertilization has the male gamete discharged unto the female
reproductive system.
22. Internal fertilization has more offspring produces compared to external fertilization. .
23. The 3rd stage of sperm development is called spermatozoa. .
24. Humans are ovoviviparous. .
25. Parthenogenesis is when an organism has both the male and female gametes. .
26. Asexual reproduction has only one parent organism is needed to reproduce. .
27. Sexual reproduction needs a partner and takes more time to reproduce. .
28. There is no genetic variation in sexual reproduction.
29. Asexual reproduction has less surviving chances due to the lack of genetic variation. .
30. In asexual reproduction, the population is more likely to catch diseases at the same time. .

Performance Task
WEEK 3 & 4
ACTIVITY 1
Identify the type of reproduction described in the organisms in column A. Write your answer in column
A B
1. A single organism that functions as both the
male and female in reproduction.
2. An organism that requires both a male and
a female to reproduce.
3. This organism breaks a part of itself to
reproduce.
4. A male and a female pig mate to
reproduce piglets.
5. This organism’s embryo does not need
fertilization to develop into an offspring.
6. This organism divides itself into two equal
parts to reproduce.
7. An organism that grows buds to
reproduce.

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ACTIVITY 2:
Given the different Genetic Engineering tool or processes, give the function and application of each.

GENETIC ENGINEERING

Tool/Processes Function Applications

Restriction enzymes
Ex. EcoR

Gel Electrophoresis

Recombinant DNA Technology

Gene cloning

DNA sequencing

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

annatolentino10/16/2021

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