B2 Biology - Cell division and inheritance

Question 1

what is mitosis?

Answer 1

a cell division that splits to create identical copies of the original cell

Question 2

what is meiosis?

Answer 2

cells spilt to form male and female gametes

Question 3

explain the process of mitosis? ( 5 stages)

Answer 3

1. chromosomes are copied in nucleus (x shaped)
2. chromosomes pulled apart by cell fibres
3. membranes form round both chromosomes, nuclei of two new cells
4. the cytoplasm divides
5. two new cells

Question 4

how many chromosomes does a human cell hold?

Answer 4

46 chromosomes in 23 pairs

Question 5

explain process of meiosis? ( 6 stages)

Answer 5

1. start with parent cell
2. chromosomes make duplicates of DNA
3. similar chromosomes pair up
4. pairs of chromosomes divide
5. chromosomes divide
6. left with four gametes with one single set of chromosomes