Cell Division - Meiosis

Question 1

What are gametes and what do they have compared to normal cells? What does this mean?

Answer 1

Sex cells and they have half the number of chromosomes. This means that the offspring inherits genes from both parents so there is variation.

Question 2

What is meiosis?

Answer 2

Meiosis produces cells which have half the normal number of chromosomes.

Question 3

What are the stages of meiosis? (4 points)

Answer 3

1) the cell duplicates its DNA
2) in the first division the chromosomes pairs line up in the centre of the cell
3) the pairs are pulled apart so each new cell only has one copy of each chromosome
4) in the second division the chromosomes line up again in the centre of the cell and the arms of the chromosomes are pulled apart

Question 4

What is the product of meiosis?

Answer 4

Four gametes with only a single set of chromosomes in it.

Question 5

What happens after meiosis?

Answer 5

The cell grows by mitosis.

Question 6

What type of reproduction is used in meiosis?

Answer 6

Mitosis requires sexual reproduction.