Inheritance, Variation and Evolution

Question 1

How is meiosis different to mitosis?

Answer 1

It produces 4 non-identical cells with half the DNA of the original cells. These are gametes

Question 2

What happens during meiosis?

Answer 2

The genetic information is first copied. The cell then divides twice to form 4 non-identical daughter cells

Question 3

What happens during sexual reproduction?

Answer 3

The fusion of a male and a female gamete to restore the normal number of chromosomes.
So, there is a mixing of genetic information which leads to a variation in offspring

Question 4

What happens in asexual reproduction?

Answer 4

It requires one parent and so there is no fusion of gametes. Offspring are genetically identical clones of their parent

Question 5

What are the advantages of sexual reproduction?

Answer 5

Producing variation in offspring and therefore a greater survival advantage to react to changes in the environment

Question 5

What are the advantages of asexual reproduction?

Answer 5

Only one parent is needed, it takes less time and energy, and many identical offspring can be produced

Question 6

What is DNA?

Answer 6

A polymer made from two strands of a double helix

Question 7

What is a gene?

Answer 7

A section of DNA that codes for a sequence of amino acids to make a specific protein