4.2.2

Meiosis

Test yourself

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 found in all body cells.

Illustrative background for Cells splitIllustrative background for Cells split ?? "content

Cells split

  • Each cell has two sets of chromosomes (they are diploid cells). The chromosomes then replicate and the cell splits in two.
Illustrative background for Further cell splittingIllustrative background for Further cell splitting ?? "content

Further cell splitting

  • There are now two identical cells.
  • The diploid cell divides again.
Illustrative background for Haploid cells createdIllustrative background for Haploid cells created ?? "content

Haploid cells created

  • This creates four genetically different gametes that each have half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell.
  • Cells that have only one copy of each chromosome (such as gametes) are called haploid cells, and in humans haploid cells have 23 chromosomes.
Illustrative background for Gametes fertiliseIllustrative background for Gametes fertilise ?? "content

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).
  • The random pairing of a male gamete with a female gamete (random fertilisation) creates variation in the offspring because all gametes are genetically different.
Illustrative background for MitosisIllustrative background for Mitosis ?? "content

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

1The Nature & Variety of Living Organisms

2Structure & Functions in Living Organisms

3Organism Functions

3.1Respiration

3.2Gas Exchange

3.3Transport

3.4Excretion

3.5Coordination & Response

4Reproduction & Inheritance

5Ecology

6Biological Resources

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium