IGCSE Coordinated Science: Cell Division

IGCSE Coordinated Science: Cell Division

1. Define mitosis as nuclear division giving rise to genetically identical cells in which the chromosome number is maintained by the exact duplication of chromosomes (details of stages are not required).

Mitosis is the normal way cells are reproduced. During mitosis the cell is divided producing a clone cell which has exactly the same number of chromosomes.

2. State the role of mitosis in growth, repair of damaged tissues, replacement of worn out cells and asexual reproduction

Mitosis is used to reproduce more cells during growth and repair of tissue and replacements as well as during asexual reproduction.

3. Define meiosis as reduction division in which the chromosome number is halved from diploid to haploid (details of stages are not required).

You don’t need to remember the process. All you need to remember that it is reduction division, and the cells produced have chromosome numbers is half undergoing meiosis.

4. State that gametes are the result of meiosis.

Meiosis produces gametes, sex cells, such as sperm and egg cell.

5. State that meiosis results in genetic variation so the cells produced are not all genetically identical.

Meiosis always results in genetic variation which means that the cells produced are not always genetically identical