Meiosis and Reproduction

Question 1

What is meiosis?

Answer 1

Producing cells which have half the normal number of chromosomes

Question 2

Explain the stages of meiosis?

Answer 2

• The cell first duplicates its genetic information
• After replicating the chromosomes arrange themselves into pairs
• The cell splits
• Then the chromosome pairs line up in the centre of the cell
• The chromosomes are then pulled apart so that each cell only has one “arm”
• Then the cell splits again creating four gametes, each gamete is different from the other because the chromosomes all get shuffled up

Question 3

(DON’T NEED) What are the advantages of sexual reproduction?

Answer 3

• Creates variation (because of the parents) and variation increases the chances of the species surviving
• If the individual with surviving characteristics survive, they will have offspring with similar characteristics which will also survive (natural selection)

Question 4

(DON’T NEED)What are the advantages of asexual reproduction?

Answer 4

• Only need one parent
• Uses less energy because organisms don’t need to find a mate
• Faster reproduction
• Identical offspring can be produced in favourable conditions

Question 5

Which different organisms are able to reproduce sexually and asexually?

Answer 5

Malaria - reproduces sexually in the mosquito but reproduces asexually in humans
Some types of fungi
Some plants

Question 6

(DON’T NEED)What are the chromosomes for a male and female?

Answer 6

Female - XX

Male - XY