Making gametes: meiosis
I can explain how a type of cell division called meiosis makes gametes for sexual reproduction.
Making gametes: meiosis
I can explain how a type of cell division called meiosis makes gametes for sexual reproduction.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Reproduction is part of the life cycle of all organisms; sexual reproduction requires specialised cells called gametes.
- Gametes are made from body cells by a type of cell division called meiosis.
- During interphase the chromosomes are copied; meiosis follows this and includes two rounds of cell division.
- The gametes made by meiosis have half the usual number of chromosomes (one from each pair in the original body cell).
- Mitosis produces 2 genetically identical diploid cells, whereas meiosis produces 4 genetically different haploid cells.
Common misconception
Knowing the differences between mitosis and meiosis. In particular when they are used, the number of cell divisions and if variation is present.
The final learning cycle of the lesson serves to compare the features of mitosis and meiosis, this includes CFU questions and a practice task.
Keywords
Sexual reproduction - A type of reproduction that combines the genetic material of two organisms to produce genetically different offspring.
Gametes - An organism's sex cells that contain half the number of chromosomes.
Meiosis - A type of cell division that forms the gametes.
Chromosomes - Highly coiled strands of DNA found inside the nucleus of eukaryotic cells.
Haploid - A cell with half the number of chromosomes.
Equipment
None required.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
where the sperm and egg fuse to form the zygote
cell division that forms the gametes
involves two parents producing genetically different offspring
reproduction involving only one organism