Igcse Model Questions Vol1 2017 Biology Question 2

Practice essay / theory question 2 from the 2017 Igcse Model Questions Vol1 Biology examination. This question covers cell division, mitosis, meiosis .

Igcse Model Questions Vol1 2017 Biology Essay / Theory
Topics: cell division mitosis meiosis
Question 2 IGCSE_MODEL_QUESTIONS_VOL1 • 2017 • BIOLOGY • essay
Igcse Model Questions Vol1 2017 Biology Question 2 diagram

The diagram shows the main stages of cell division in a typical eukaryotic cell, illustrating both mitosis and the two successive meiotic divisions. All key structures such as chromosomes, centromeres, spindle fibres, nuclear envelope and cell membrane are labelled.

Question Parts

( a )
Describe the events that occur during mitosis. List the stages in their correct order and state the principal changes in chromosome number and arrangement at each stage.
( b )
Explain why meiosis produces cells with half the chromosome number of the original cell. Refer specifically to the stages at which the reduction in chromosome number occurs.
( c )
A plant breeder has produced a tetraploid (4n) variety of a crop. Using your knowledge of meiosis, explain how the chromosome number in the gametes of this tetraploid plant compares with that of a normal diploid (2n) plant, and discuss the possible outcome for the offspring if a tetraploid gamete fuses with a normal diploid gamete.
( d )
Compare mitosis and meiosis.
( ) State two major differences between mitosis and meiosis in terms of (i) chromosome behaviour and (ii) genetic variation produced.
( ) Briefly state one biological advantage of each process.

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About This Question

This is Igcse Model Questions Vol1 2017 Biology Question 2. It is one of the essay questions from the 2017 Igcse Model Questions Vol1 Biology examination.

The question covers cell division, mitosis, meiosis .

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