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Meiosis is a type of cell division that is needed to make gametes - OCR Gateway - GCSE Biology (Combined Science) - Question 2 - 2020 - Paper 8
Question 2
Meiosis is a type of cell division that is needed to make gametes. Which diagram shows meiosis? n = number of chromosomes A B C D Your answer
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Meiosis is a type of cell division that is needed to make gametes - OCR Gateway - GCSE Biology (Combined Science) - Question 2 - 2020 - Paper 8
Step 1
Which diagram shows meiosis?
Answer
To determine which diagram represents meiosis, we need to understand the process of meiosis itself. Meiosis is characterized by the reduction of the chromosome number by half, which is essential for the formation of gametes (sperm and egg cells).
In diagrams:
- A: Starts with 2n and ends with multiple 1n cells. This shows reduction, but not the correct pathway.
- B: Shows cells remaining 2n after division, indicating mitosis, not meiosis.
- C: Similar to A, but again does not adhere correctly to the meiotic process.
- D: Demonstrates the division from 2n to two distinct 1n cells at each branch, adhering to the principles of reduction division and producing haploid cells.
Thus, the correct answer is D, as it accurately depicts the meiotic process.