Paper 3 structured question: Variation
Paper 3Theory (Core)2 marks
Description
Mutation
Mutation is a change in the genetic material of an organism.
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Describe what is meant by mutation?
Aim for approximately 2 distinct marking points.
Learning objective
Explain mutation as a change in genetic material.
Read the explanation, check the common trap, then practise with flashcards and questions.
Exam focus
- Read the explanation.
- Check key terms.
- Practise with linked questions.
Cambridge IGCSE BiologyVariation and selectionCore content
Study support
Understand this objective
Quick explanation
Explain mutation as a change in genetic material
- This point belongs to Variation, especially Variation outcomes.
- You need to be able to explain mutation as a change in genetic material.
- The key ideas to know are Describe.
- Use the linked flashcards and practice questions to check recall, then practise applying the idea in an exam-style answer.
Key concepts
Describe
Why it matters
This objective helps connect Variation outcomes to exam-style questions, flashcards, and revision notes for Variation.
Revision tools
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Flashcards10 linked cards
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Practice Questions7 linked questions
Question 1 of 7
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Revision notestopic notes
Open the full topic revision notes when you are ready to review this objective in context.
Open revision notesRelated learning objectives
- Explain how variation refers to the differences observed among individuals of the same species.
Variation outcomes
- Indicate that continuous variation leads to a spectrum of phenotypes between two extremes, such as body length and mass.
Variation outcomes
- Indicate that discontinuous variation results in a limited set of phenotypes without intermediates, with examples like ABO blood types and pea seed shapes and colors.
Variation outcomes
- Indicate that discontinuous variation is typically caused solely by genetic factors, while continuous variation arises from both genetic and environmental influences.
Variation outcomes
- Explore and explain instances of both continuous and discontinuous variation.
Variation outcomes
Revision hubs