L5.7 Meiosis

Question 1

Explain ‘Meiosis’

Answer 1

Meiosis involves two consecutive cell divisions called Meiosis 1 and Meiosis 2.

Question 2

What are gametes?

Answer 2

Gametes are sex cells (sperm and egg cell) that have the number (n) of chromosomes.

Question 3

Difference between haploid and diploid cells

Answer 3

A cell with n number of chromosomes is haploid whereas a cell that contains 2n number of chromosomes is called a diploid cell.

Question 4

What is fertilization?

Answer 4

Fertilization is the process by which one haploid gamete (sperm cell) combines with another haploid gamete (egg cell).

Question 5

Give some differences between Mitosis and Meiosis.

Answer 5

1. One division occurs during mitosis whereas in meiosis two sets of divisions occur.
2. In Mitosis, DNA replication occurs during interphase whereas in meiosis DNA replication occurs before meiosis 1.
3. In mitosis, synapsis of homologous chromosomes does not occur. In meiosis, synapsis of homologous chromosomes occurs during prophase 1.
4. In mitosis, two identical cells are formed per cell cycle. In meiosis, four haploid cells are formed per cell cycle.
5. In mitosis, the daughter cells are genetically identical. In meiosis, the daughter cells are not genetically identical because of crossing over.
6. Mitosis only occurs in body cells wheas meiosis occurs in reproductive cells.
7. Mitosis is involved in growth and repair. Melosis is involved in the production of gametes and in providing
   genetic variation in organisms.