What is the role of meiosis in reproduction?
It is a type of cell division involved in producing gametes.
AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy (8464) — Biology — Foundation · 4.6.1.2
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What is the role of meiosis in reproduction?
It is a type of cell division involved in producing gametes.
Why is meiosis called a reduction division?
It halves the chromosome number: a diploid cell with two sets of chromosomes produces haploid cells with one set.
How do cells produced by meiosis compare genetically with one another and with the original cell?
They are genetically different from one another and are not identical copies of the original cell.
How many sets of chromosomes does a gamete nucleus contain?
One set; the nucleus is haploid.
What chromosome sets does a zygote nucleus contain after two gamete nuclei fuse?
Two sets, one from each gamete; the nucleus is diploid.
What is the significance of the change from haploid gametes to a diploid zygote?
It maintains the species’ chromosome number across generations.
What is mitosis?
Nuclear division that gives rise to genetically identical daughter cells.
What happens to chromosomes before mitosis?
They are replicated exactly.
How does mitosis distribute replicated chromosomes between daughter cells?
Chromosome copies separate, so each daughter cell receives the same genetic information and chromosome number is maintained.
What four processes does mitosis enable?
Growth, repair of damaged tissues, replacement of cells, and asexual reproduction.
What is the sequence of DNA copying and cell divisions in meiosis?
DNA is copied once before the cell divides twice, with no further copying between divisions.
How many gametes are formed by meiosis?
Four.
How many chromosome sets does each meiotic gamete have compared with the original cell?
Each gamete has one set; the original cell has two sets.
How are chromosomes from each homologous pair distributed to meiotic gametes?
Each gamete receives one chromosome from each homologous pair.
How do the gametes produced by meiosis compare genetically with one another?
They are genetically different from one another.
What is cell differentiation during embryonic development?
Cells become specialised for particular roles, with structures and functions suited to those roles.
What does mitotic division do in a growing embryo?
It increases the number of cells.