AQA · GCSE · Combined Science
Course version: 8464 · Version from Sept 2018
The cell divides twice to form four gametes, each with a single set of…
Full specification wording
Meiosis: the cell divides twice to form four gametes, each with a single set of chromosomes
Meiosis is a type of cell division that produces gametes, such as sperm and egg cells.
Checked against the AQA 8464 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 5 of 7
- 2 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Meiosis is a type of cell division that produces gametes, such as sperm and egg cells. During this process, a cell in a reproductive organ divides twice to form four gametes. Each of these four gametes contains a single set of chromosomes, meaning the chromosome number has been halved. For example, a human body cell contains 46 chromosomes, but each gamete produced by meiosis contains only 23. This halving is essential so that when two gametes fuse at fertilisation, the normal chromosome number is restored. Furthermore, every gamete produced is genetically different from the others, which introduces genetic variation into the offspring.
What earns the marks
- The cell divides twice during meiosis.
- Four gametes are produced from the original cell.
- Each gamete contains a single set of chromosomes, which is half the original number.
- All four gametes are genetically different from each other.
- In humans, gametes contain 23 chromosomes, whereas body cells contain 46.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Stating that meiosis produces two cells.
Put it right: It involves two divisions that produce four gametes.
Thinking the chromosome number stays the same.
Put it right: The chromosome number is halved so each gamete has a single set.
Believing all gametes produced are identical.
Put it right: All gametes formed by meiosis are genetically different from each other.
Exam tips
- State clearly that the cell divides twice to produce four gametes.
- Emphasise that each gamete has a single set of chromosomes, which is half the normal number.
Try the lesson
The start of the Meiosis: the cell divides twice to form four gametes, each with a single set of chromosomes lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
How many gametes are produced when one cell completes meiosis?
Listen
Meiosis is a type of cell division that produces gametes, such as sperm and egg cells. During this process, a cell in a reproductive organ divides twice to form four gametes. Each of these four gametes contains a single set of chromosomes, meaning the chromosome number has been halved. For example, a human body cell contains 46 chromosomes, but each gamete produced by meiosis contains only 23. This halving is essential so that when two gametes fuse at fertilisation, the normal chromosome number is restored. Furthermore, every gamete produced is genetically different from the others, which introduces genetic variation into the offspring. A strong answer earns marks for these points. The cell divides twice during meiosis. Four gametes are produced from the original cell. Each gamete contains a single set of chromosomes, which is half the original number. All four gametes are genetically different from each other. A common slip: Stating that meiosis produces two cells. Instead, it involves two divisions that produce four gametes. Exam tip: State clearly that the cell divides twice to produce four gametes.
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Key words
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Meiosis
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Gamete formation
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See every definition
- Meiosis
- A type of cell division in which a cell divides twice to form four gametes, each with a single set of chromosomes.
- Gamete formation
- The process in which a cell in a reproductive organ divides twice to form four gametes, such as sperm and egg cells.
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