AQA · GCSE · Biology
Course version: 8461 · Version from Sept 2018
In sexual reproduction there is mixing of genetic information which leads…
Full specification wording
Sexual and asexual reproduction: In sexual reproduction there is mixing of genetic information which leads to variety in the offspring. The formation of gametes involves meiosis.
Sexual reproduction involves the mixing of genetic information from two parents, which produces offspring that are genetically varied.
Checked against the AQA 8461 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 3 of 5
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Sexual reproduction involves the mixing of genetic information from two parents, which produces offspring that are genetically varied. This variation arises because gametes are formed by meiosis, a type of cell division that produces non-identical haploid cells. During meiosis, crossing over and independent assortment shuffle the genetic material, so each gamete is genetically unique. When two gametes fuse during fertilisation, the resulting offspring receives a random combination of alleles from both parents, leading to variety in the population. For example, in humans, siblings are genetically different because each sperm and egg cell is unique. They should be able to explain how mixing of genetic information leads to variety.
What earns the marks
- Sexual reproduction involves the mixing of genetic information from two parents.
- Gametes are formed by meiosis.
- Meiosis produces non-identical haploid cells.
- Crossing over and independent assortment during meiosis create genetic variation in gametes.
- Fertilisation combines gametes from two parents, increasing genetic variety in offspring.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Thinking meiosis produces identical cells.
Put it right: Meiosis produces non-identical cells.
Believing variation comes only from fertilisation.
Put it right: Meiosis also creates variation in gametes.
Confusing meiosis with mitosis.
Put it right: Meiosis forms gametes and halves the chromosome number.
Exam tips
- Link meiosis to the formation of gametes and genetic variation.
- Explain that mixing of genetic information occurs at fertilisation.
- Use examples such as siblings to illustrate variety.
Try the lesson
The start of the Sexual and asexual reproduction: In sexual reproduction there is mixing of genetic information which leads to variety in the offspring. The formation of gametes involves meiosis. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which process forms the gametes that take part in sexual reproduction?
Listen
Sexual reproduction involves the mixing of genetic information from two parents, which produces offspring that are genetically varied. This variation arises because gametes are formed by meiosis, a type of cell division that produces non-identical haploid cells. During meiosis, crossing over and independent assortment shuffle the genetic material, so each gamete is genetically unique. When two gametes fuse during fertilisation, the resulting offspring receives a random combination of alleles from both parents, leading to variety in the population. For example, in humans, siblings are genetically different because each sperm and egg cell is unique. They should be able to explain how mixing of genetic information leads to variety. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Sexual reproduction involves the mixing of genetic information from two parents. Gametes are formed by meiosis. Meiosis produces non-identical haploid cells. Crossing over and independent assortment during meiosis create genetic variation in gametes. A common slip: Thinking meiosis produces identical cells. Instead, meiosis produces non-identical cells. Exam tip: Link meiosis to the formation of gametes and genetic variation.
Key words
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Sexual reproduction
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Meiosis
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Gamete formation
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Genetic variation
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See every definition
- Sexual reproduction
- Involves the mixing of genetic information which leads to variety in the offspring.
- Meiosis
- The formation of gametes involves this type of cell division.
- Gamete formation
- Involves meiosis, which produces non-identical haploid cells.
- Genetic variation
- Created in gametes by crossing over and independent assortment during meiosis.
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