Edexcel GCSE Biology

Meiosis

Edexcel GCSE Biology revision on Meiosis. Aligned to the Pearson Edexcel GCSE Biology 1BI0 specification. This bank has 5 practice questions on this topic.

Sample questions (3 of 5)

  1. Question 1

    What is the primary function of meiosis in the human life cycle?

    • A) To repair damaged skin cells
    • B) To produce gametes for sex
    • C) To allow asexual reproduction
    • D) To increase body cell count
    Show answer

    Answer: To produce gametes for sex

    Meiosis occurs in reproductive organs to produce gametes, which are sperm and egg cells. Unlike mitosis, which creates identical body cells for growth and repair, meiosis reduces the chromosome number by half to ensure offspring have the correct total after fertilisation.

  2. Question 2

    Which statement accurately describes the genetic composition of daughter cells following meiosis?

    • A) They are genetically identical
    • B) They have unique genetic codes
    • C) They contain diploid nuclei
    • D) They have paired chromosomes
    Show answer

    Answer: They have unique genetic codes

    During meiosis, genetic material is shuffled and divided, resulting in four daughter cells that are not identical to each other or the parent cell. This variation is crucial for evolution and survival, as it prevents offspring from being clones of their parents.

  3. Question 3

    How many times does the nucleus divide during the complete process of meiosis?

    Show answer

    Answer: 2

    Meiosis consists of two distinct stages called Meiosis I and Meiosis II. This double division is necessary to reduce the chromosome count from the diploid number (46 in humans) to the haploid number (23).

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