The significance (importance) of Meiosis

MEIOSIS is a type of cell division whereby a diploid cell (somatic cell) divides to form four  Production of haploid gametes
different haploid gametes (sex cells). Diploid cells have two sets of chromosomes. Haploid cells
only have one set of chromosomes. In males it occurs inside the testes and in female it  The halving effect of meiosis overcomes
occurs inside the ovaries . the doubling effect of fertilisation, thus
Meiosis 1 Meiosis 2 maintaining a constant chromosome
1.1 During which phase does
. number from one generation to the next.
this process takes place? Phase:Prophase 1 Phase: Prophase 2
• Prophase 1 Reason/s: Reason/s:
• Spindle fibres forming - Spindle fibres forming 4.1 How many chromosomes:
1.2 Name the point/region P • Crossing over occurs - Single chromosomes (a) Are present in EACH cell
• Chiasmata •2
• Nuclear membrane visible
Disintegrating Bivalent (b) Were present in the original
1.3 Describe what happens during the process Phase: Metaphase 1 Phase: Metaphase 2 cell at the start of meiosis
shown above Reason/s: Reason/s: •4
• Homologous chromosomes lie next to each other • Homologous chromosomes - Single chromosomes 4.2 The cells in the diagram are NOT identical
• Chromatids overlap/touch at the chiasmata
arranged at the equator arranged at the equator (a) Name TWO processes during meiosis that
• And genetic information is exchanged/swapped lead to the cells being different from one another.
• Crossing over
1.4 Explain the importance of this process Homologous chromosomes Chromosome • Random arrangement
• Introduces genetic variation in gametes Phase: Anaphase 1 Phase: Anaphase 2 (b) Explain the significance to a species of the cells
• May lead to new characteristics (Favourable/un-) Reason/s: Reason/s: being different from one another.
• Affecting the chance of survival of the organism - (Full) chromosomes moves -Chromatids moves •Gametes formed will be genetically different
(natural selection)
to the opposite poles to the opposite poles • leading to variation in the offspring
1.5 Draw a labelled diagram, showing
Chromatids • This increases a species chances of survival
chromosome C, at the end of this process.
4.3 Mention THREE similarities between Meiosis
Phase: Telophase 1 Phase: Telophase 2 and Mitosis
Reason/s: Reason/s: • DNA Replication occurs in both
-Two cells forms with full -Four cells forms with • Spindle fibres forms in both
• Both forms new cells at the end
(replicated)chromosomes unreplicated
4.4 Differences between Mitosis and Meiosis
Chromosomes
Meiosis Mitosis
NB…Homologous chromosomes also called ‘BIVALENT’ when crossing over occurs
Spindle fibre Chromatid Explain the arrangement of the chromosome at X (diagram on the left).
• Non-disjunction of homologous chromosomes (X) occurred during Anaphase 1
• (Homologous chromosomes failed to separate)
Centriole Explain the disorder that will result, due to the mistake occurring at X, if it represents
chromosome pair 21 in humans.
Random arrangement: During Metaphase 1 (or 2)
………………………………..……….….
homologous chromosomes (or chromosomes) may line
• Non-disjunction of chromosome pair 21 during anaphase I in humans to form abnormal …………………………….……………………………………..…………….
up either way on the equator (see separate document)
X gametes with an extra copy of chromosome 21
Centromere Phase: Anaphase 1 Chromosomes that carry
Homologous chromosomes:……………………………………..
• The fusion between an abnormal gamete (24 chromosomes) and a normal gamete (23 the same set of genes. (Are of the Same size, Same
chromosomes) may lead to Down syndrome ………………………………………………………………………………….
shape and Same length)
Label above diagram

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