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GCSE Biology · key term
A type of cell division that produces four genetically different haploid gametes.
Used by AQA, Edexcel and OCR
Specification 4.6.1.1, 4.6.1.2 · Paper 2
Cell division involved in forming gametes; it produces genetically non-identical cells.
Revise: Sexual vs Asexual ReproductionGametes are formed through meiosis, a type of cell division that produces genetically non-identical cells.
A type of cell division in reproductive organs that produces genetically different gametes with a single set of chromosomes.
When explaining meiosis, link both divisions to the outcome: four genetically different gametes, each with a single set of chromosomes.
Keep the processes separate: meiosis makes gametes; fertilisation joins two gametes; mitosis increases the number of cells in the developing embryo.
You do not need to name the stages of meiosis.
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Specification 3.3 · Paper 1
Revise: MeiosisMeiosis is the type of cell division that produces these gametes.
Specification B5.1h · Paper 2 (Foundation), Paper 4 (Higher)
Cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half to produce genetically different haploid cells.
Revise: MeiosisMeiosis is the cell division that produces haploid cells for sexual reproduction. Before it begins, the cell copies its DNA. It then divides twice.
Paper 1 (Foundation), Paper 2 (Foundation), Paper 3 (Higher), Paper 4 (Higher)
A type of cell division that forms cells with half the chromosome number of the starting body cell.
Revise: MeiosisIf a sperm and an egg each carried all 46, their joining would double the chromosome number. Instead, meiosis forms gametes with one chromosome from each pair: 23 in a human sperm or egg. This is half the number in a body cell.