Many people eat shellfish called oysters - AQA - GCSE Biology Combined Science - Question 7 - 2018 - Paper 2

The type of cell division that produces gametes is called meiosis. During meiosis, the DNA replicates and undergoes two divisions, resulting in four haploid cells with half the amount of DNA. Therefore, each gamete contains only one set of chromosomes, ensuring that offspring receive genetic material from both parents.

Triploid oysters are not able to reproduce because they have three sets of chromosomes, which prevents proper pairing during the meiosis process. As a result, they cannot form viable gametes needed for reproduction.

Triploid oysters grow more quickly than diploid oysters because they do not utilize energy for reproduction, as diploid oysters do. This energy can instead be directed towards growth and development, allowing triploid oysters to reach maturity faster and grow larger.

1. Pollutants in the water may be raising the temperature or contaminating water sources, leading to poor health or mortality in oyster populations.
2. Increased acidity of the oceans can disrupt oyster reproductive processes and overall health, contributing to population decline.

For the first factor, pollutants can create inhabitable conditions, resulting in stress and the death of oysters. For the second factor, rising ocean acidity can interfere with the ability of oysters to form their shells, making them more vulnerable to predation and diseases.

Producing triploid oysters can be beneficial for supermarkets and restaurants as they are available all year round and have a better taste throughout the seasons. This consistency can lead to increased customer satisfaction and higher sales. However, there are health concerns related to the use of cytochalasin B, which may raise ethical issues regarding consumer safety. Evaluating both the economic advantages and health implications is vital when considering the long-term sustainability of triploid oyster production.