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Chimpanzees have 48 chromosomes in each body cell - humans have 46.

Unit 2 - Making Gametes (H)

This GCSE Biology quiz on making gametes (higher tier) explores meiosis, chromosome halving, and how sperm and egg cells are produced to create genetic variation.

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(quiz starts below)

Fascinating Fact:

In females, meiosis in the ovaries produces egg cells, but the cytoplasm is unevenly divided so that one large egg and smaller polar bodies are formed.

In GCSE Biology, the topic of making gametes explains how meiosis forms haploid sperm and egg cells. You learn how chromosome number halves and how this process introduces genetic variation.

Key Terms

Meiosis: A type of cell division that halves the chromosome number to form gametes for sexual reproduction.
Gamete: A sex cell, such as a sperm or egg, that contains half the normal number of chromosomes.
Haploid: Describes a cell that has one set of chromosomes instead of the usual two sets found in body cells.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

What is meiosis in GCSE Biology?

In GCSE Biology, meiosis is a special type of cell division that produces haploid gametes. It halves the chromosome number so that it can be restored at fertilisation.

How are egg cells formed in humans?

Egg cells are formed in the ovaries by meiosis. One large egg keeps most of the cytoplasm, while smaller polar bodies receive very little and usually break down.

What is the difference between mitosis and meiosis?

Mitosis produces identical diploid cells for growth and repair, whereas meiosis produces non identical haploid gametes and leads to variation in offspring.

Try These Related Quizzes

1 .

Meiosis results in cells which are genetically...

identical

different

mutated

the same

It is for that reason that variation of inherited features occurs.

2 .

Inside gametes, chromosomes are...

paired

single

absent

reduced

Before genetics and cell division was understood, scientists were completely puzzled about what made gametes different to other cells

3 .

Mitosis produces cells which are genetically...

different

identical

varied

mutated

This is the type of cell division that occurs to produce cells with the full number of chromosomes

4 .

At the start of meiosis, what is replicated?

DNA

Enzymes

Cells

Gametes

Before any cell can divide, the chromosomes replicate and make an extra copy of the DNA. This maintains the chromosome number for the species. One arm of each chromosome duplicates an exact copy forming an X-shaped structure

5 .

Meiosis consists of how many cell divisions?

One

Two

Three

Four

This type of cell division forms cells with only half of the genetic information

6 .

Meiosis results in how many gametes?

One

Two

Three

Four

In the first stages of meiosis, chromosomes make copies of themselves so (in humans) there are a total of 4 sets of chromosomes in the cell. These then separate, during two sets of cell division, into unpaired chromosomes so meiosis therefore creates 4 gametes.

7 .

Name the process by which the normal chromosome number is restored.

Mitosis

Meiosis

Cloning

Fertilisation

At fertilisation, an egg containing 23 single chromosomes joins with the sperm also containing 23 single chromosomes to form a zygote with 46 chromosomes (23 pairs)

8 .

Human gametes (eggs or sperm) contain how many chromosomes?

One

Two

Each gamete contains half of the genetic material of the new individual

9 .

Variation takes place as a result of meiosis and is a big advantage of which type of reproduction?

Asexual

Conjugation

Sexual

Replication

If every organism was identical to every other organism of the same species, it is possible that disease or a change in the environment would cause extinction

10 .

Human body cells contain how many chromosomes?

One

Two

Different species have different chromosome numbers. For example, chimpanzees have 48 chromosomes in each body cell

You can find more about this topic by visiting BBC Bitesize - Gamete production and fertilisation

Author: Donna Davidson (GCSE Biology Teacher & Examiner, Quiz Writer)