Meiosis

Question 1

The process of meiosis:

Answer 1

1) The cell makes copies of its chromosomes, so it has double the amount of genetic material
2) The cell divides into two cells, each with half the amount of chromosomes (46)
3) The cell divides again, producing four cells with 1/4 of the chromosomes (23). These cells are called gametes

Question 2

Why are gametes produced from meiosis genetically different?

Answer 2

The chromosomes are shuffled during the process, resulting in random chromosomes ending up in each of the cells

Question 3

What happens after meiosis?

Answer 3

1) The gametes join at fertilisation to produce a cell with 46 chromosomes
2) The cell divides by mitosis to produce many copies
3) More and more cells are produced and an embryo forms
4) The cells take on different roles (differentiation)