meiosis exam qs

Question 1

Apart from mutation, explain one other way genetic variation within a species is increased.

Answer 1

Random fertilisation;
2. (Produces) new allele combinations

Question 2

Describe the process of crossing over and explain how it increases genetic diversity.

Answer 2

Homologous pairs of chromosomes form a bivalent;
2. Chiasma(ta) form;
3.alleles are exchanged;
4. Producing new combinations of alleles

Question 3

Explain how the chromosome number is halved during meiosis

Answer 3

Homologous chromosomes (pair);
2. One of each (pair) goes to opposite poles

Question 4

Describe how the process of meiosis results in haploid cells.
Do not include descriptions of how genetic variation is produced in meiosis.

Answer 4

1. DNA replication (during late interphase);
2. Two divisions;
3. Separation of homologous chromosomes (in
   first division);
4. Separation of (sister) chromatids (in second
   division);