Meiosis

Question 1

What are the final products of meiosis ?

Answer 1

4 genetically different gametes (sex cells).

These are haploid cells with half the genetic information of the parent cell.

Question 2

What are haploid cells ?

Answer 2

Haploid cells contain half the genetic information of the parents cell.

Question 3

Why do gametes have half the genetic information of the parent cell ?

Answer 3

This means that when two haploids fuse (sex), a diploid cell with the correct amount of genetic information is formed.

Question 4

What causes genetic difference in meiosis.

Answer 4

Independent segregation

When bivalents are made due to two chromosomes crossing and swapping alleles at chiasma points.

Question 5

What is independent segregation ?

Answer 5

Maternal and paternal chromosomes separate randomly.

Question 6

What are bivalents and how are they created ?

Answer 6

Occur when chromosomes cross over and exchange alleles at chiasma points.

Question 7

At what stage of meiosis can biavelents be produced ?

Answer 7

Prophase one

Question 8

Describe the process of meiosis.

Answer 8

Notes

Question 9

Explain the importance of meiosis in the life cycle of a sexually reproducing organism.

Answer 9

Meiosis produced haploid cells which are all genetically different and have half the required genetic information. When 2 haploid cells fuse at fertilisation, a diploid cell with the required genetic information is produced. All will be genetically identical and therefore help survival as a process of natural selection.

Question 10

Explain the difference in DNA content between speed and liver cells.

Answer 10

Sperm is a haploid cell formed by meiosis so will have half the genetic information. While liver cells are formed by mitosis and will have the full genetic count.

Question 11

Why is there no DNA in red blood cells ?

Answer 11

Red blood cells have no nucleus.