17.2.3

Meiosis

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Meiosis and Mitosis

Sexual reproduction is the fusion (joining together) of male and female gametes. Cells in reproductive organs divide by meiosis to create gametes. Gametes contain half of the number of chromosomes (containing DNA) found in all body cells.

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Cells split

  • Each cell has two chromosomes (diploid cell). The two chromosomes then replicate and the cell splits in two.
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Further cell splitting

  • There are now two identical cells.
  • The diploid cell divides again.
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Haploid cells created

  • This creates four genetically different gametes that each have half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell, so this is called reduction division.
  • Cells that have only one copy of each chromosome (such as gametes) are called haploid cells.
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Gametes fertilise

  • During sexual reproduction, the male gamete fertilises the female gamete and the fertilised cell now has the normal number of chromosomes (46 in humans).
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Mitosis

  • Once the gametes have combined, the new cell divides by mitosis (the cell grows asexually).
  • As soon as the embryo reaches a certain size, cells begin to differentiate (specialise).

Jump to other topics

1Classification of Living Organisms

2Organisation of the Organism

3Movement Into & Out of Cells

4Biological Molecules

5Enzymes

6Plant Nutrition

7Human Nutrition

8Transport in Plants

9Transport in Animals

10Diseases & Immunity

11Gas Exchange in Humans

12Respiration

13Excretion in Humans

14Coordination & Response

15Drugs

16Reproduction

17Inheritance

18Variation & Selection

19Organisms & Their Environment

20Human Influence on Ecosystems

21Biotechnology & Genetic Modification

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