Fundamental biology concepts and principles

Question 1

Students should be able to explain how meiosis

Answer 1

halves the number of chromosomes in gametes and fertilisation restores the full number of chromosomes.

Question 2

Cells in reproductive organs divide by meiosis to form

When a cell divides to form ——-:

Answer 2

gametes

gametes

copies of the genetic information are made
* the cell divides twice to form four gametes, each with a single set of
chromosomes
* all gametes are genetically different from each other.

Question 3

variation occurs when

Answer 3

gametes fuse at fertilisation

Question 4

Students should understand that meiosis leads to

while mitosis leads to

Answer 4

non-identical cells being formed

identical cells being formed.

Question 5

Sexual reproduction involves the joining (fusion) of male and female gametes:

Answer 5

• sperm and egg cells in animals
• pollen and egg cells in flowering plants.

Question 6

In sexual reproduction there is mixing of genetic information which leads to

Answer 6

variety in the offspring

Question 7

Asexual reproduction involves:

This leads to

Answer 7

only one parent and no fusion of gametes. There is no mixing of genetic information.

genetically identical offspring (clones).

Question 8

recall that many different materials cycle through the

Answer 8

abiotic and biotic components of an ecosystem

Question 9

All materials in the living world are recycled to provide the

Answer 9

building blocks for future organisms.

Question 10

The carbon cycle returns

Answer 10

carbon from organisms to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide to be used by plants in photosynthesis.

Question 11

The water cycle provides

Answer 11

fresh water for plants and animals on land before draining into the seas. Water is continuously evaporated and precipitated.