AQA · GCSE · Combined Science
Course version: 8464 · Version from Sept 2018
Meiosis: Cells in reproductive organs divide by meiosis to form gametes.
Meiosis is a specialised type of cell division that occurs exclusively in reproductive organs, such as the testes and ovaries in humans, or the anthers and ovaries in flowering plants.
Checked against the AQA 8464 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 2 of 7
- 3 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Meiosis is a specialised type of cell division that occurs exclusively in reproductive organs, such as the testes and ovaries in humans, or the anthers and ovaries in flowering plants. The purpose of meiosis is to form gametes, which are sex cells like sperm, eggs, and pollen. During meiosis, the original cell divides twice to produce four gametes. Each gamete receives a single set of chromosomes, halving the normal genetic amount. For example, human body cells have 46 chromosomes, but human gametes have 23. This ensures that when a male and female gamete fuse during fertilisation, the resulting cell has the correct, restored number of chromosomes.
What earns the marks
- Meiosis occurs in reproductive organs, such as testes and ovaries.
- The process produces gametes, which are sex cells like sperm and egg cells.
- The cell divides twice to produce four gametes.
- Each gamete contains a single set of chromosomes.
- Gametes are genetically different from each other.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Confusing meiosis with mitosis.
Put it right: Mitosis produces genetically identical cells for growth, whereas meiosis produces genetically different gametes.
Believing meiosis occurs in all body cells.
Put it right: Meiosis is restricted to reproductive organs like testes and ovaries.
Thinking gametes have the full number of chromosomes.
Put it right: Gametes have a single set of chromosomes so fertilisation can restore the normal number.
Exam tips
- Always specify that meiosis takes place in reproductive organs when asked where gametes are formed.
- Remember to state that the gametes produced are genetically different from each other.
Try the lesson
The start of the Meiosis: Cells in reproductive organs divide by meiosis to form gametes. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
In which type of organ do cells divide by meiosis to form gametes?
Listen
Meiosis is a specialised type of cell division that occurs exclusively in reproductive organs, such as the testes and ovaries in humans, or the anthers and ovaries in flowering plants. The purpose of meiosis is to form gametes, which are sex cells like sperm, eggs, and pollen. During meiosis, the original cell divides twice to produce four gametes. Each gamete receives a single set of chromosomes, halving the normal genetic amount. For example, human body cells have 46 chromosomes, but human gametes have 23. This ensures that when a male and female gamete fuse during fertilisation, the resulting cell has the correct, restored number of chromosomes. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Meiosis occurs in reproductive organs, such as testes and ovaries. The process produces gametes, which are sex cells like sperm and egg cells. The cell divides twice to produce four gametes. Each gamete contains a single set of chromosomes. A common slip: Confusing meiosis with mitosis. Instead, mitosis produces genetically identical cells for growth, whereas meiosis produces genetically different gametes. Exam tip: Always specify that meiosis takes place in reproductive organs when asked where gametes are formed.
See it
Key words
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Meiosis
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Gametes
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Reproductive organs
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See every definition
- Meiosis
- A specialised type of cell division that occurs exclusively in reproductive organs to form gametes.
- Gametes
- Sex cells like sperm, eggs and pollen, which receive a single set of chromosomes.
- Reproductive organs
- The organs where meiosis occurs, such as the testes and ovaries in humans, or the anthers and ovaries in flowering plants.
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