Meiosis

Question 1

What is meiosis?

Answer 1

The process of cell division for gametes (egg and sperm cells).

Question 2

How many chromosomes do gametes have?

Answer 2

23 - they are haploid

Question 3

Are gametes genetically identical to each other?

Answer 3

No!! A process called ‘cross-over’ allows there to be genetic shuffling so no two gametes are the same.

Question 4

How many times does the gamete cell split in the process of meiosis?

Answer 4

Twice.

Question 5

If you start with one gamete cell, how many cell will you be left with by the end of meiosis?

Answer 5

4 daughter cells.

Question 6

Describe the meiosis process?

Answer 6

1. DNA replication during Interphase.
2. Chromosomes condense.
3. Chromosomes line up at centre in pairs.
4. Chromosomes split into two daughter cells.
5. Chromosomes line up in a single file and sister chromatids separate in the second division.
6. 4 genetically different, haploid gametes are produced.

Question 7

What happens as a result of meiosis?

Answer 7

1. Genetic variation
2. The creation of a zygote that will have 46 chromosomes.