Section B3h: Living and growing - More of the same

Assessable learning outcomes:

Higher tier only:
Discuss the possible implications of using genetically modified animals to supply replacement organs for humans.
Discuss the ethical dilemmas concerning human cloning.

Section B5g: The Living Body - New for old

With people living longer, parts of their bodies are wearing out or going wrong. This item encourages discussion about possible treatments and ethical issues involved. It also provides the opportunity to debate the issues.

Suggested activities and experiences to select from:

Research donor cards and other donor organisations such as the Anthony Nolan Trust; Research the history of one organ transplant.

Assessable learning outcomes:

Foundation Tier only:
State the variety of body parts which can be mechanically replaced limited to:

• kidney;
• knee and hip joints;
• heart;
• lens of eye

State the variety of body parts that can be biologically replaced limited to:

• blood;
• cornea;
• heart;
• lungs;
• Kidney and bone marrow

Know that organs that can be donated by living or dead donors.

Both tiers:
State problems in supply of donor organs limited to:

• shortage of donors;
• tissue match;
• size and age

Describe problems of using mechanical replacements limited to:

• size;
• power supply;
• materials used;
• body reactions

State that some mechanical replacements such as the heart and lung machine, kidney dialysis and iron lung are used outside the body.
Explain why donors can be living and what makes a suitable living donor.
State the criteria needed for a dead person to be a suitable donor.

Higher Tier only:
Discuss the ethical issues concerning organ donation.
Describe problems with transplants limited to:

• rejection;
• Immuno-suppressive drug treatment

Discuss the idea of a register of donors. Interpret data on transplants and success rates.