Sources of variation

Question 1

What is sexual reproduction?

Answer 1

sexual reproduction involves one gamete from each of the two individuals to combining to form a new individual. The new individual is therfore not identical to the parent

Question 2

**How does sexual reproduction create genetic variation? **

Answer 2

By shuffling alleles into new combinations in meiosis which involves crossing over, independent assortment, and segregation

Question 3

What is a cell with a full set of chromosomes called?

Answer 3

A diploid

Question 4

What is a cell with half a set of chromosomes called?

Answer 4

A haploid

Question 5

What is meiosis?

Answer 5

Meiosis is a type of cell division to create four unique gametes, each with half a set of chromosomes

Question 6

What is the purpose of meiosis and why is it important in sexual reproduction?

Answer 6

Through meiosis, a cell divides to create four different cells called gametes,which each have half a set of chromosomes. Meiosis is important in sexual reproduction as it ensures the gametes from each parent contain half the number of chromosomes, and have a random combination of alleles, ensuring genetic variation between offspring.