HSC Biology — Module 5
Meiosis — Flashcards & Quiz
Meiosis is the reduction division that produces haploid gametes from diploid parent cells, and it sits at the heart of HSC Biology Module 5: Heredity. You need to be able to compare meiosis with mitosis, describe crossing over and independent assortment, and explain how these processes generate the genetic variation that natural selection acts on. Exam questions frequently ask you to label a stage diagram, calculate possible gamete combinations, or distinguish between sources of variation — so practise the terminology precisely.
Sample Flashcards
Q1: Describe how meiosis produces genetic variation.
Meiosis produces variation through: 1) Crossing over in prophase I (exchange of alleles between homologous chromosomes). 2) Independent assortment in metaphase I (random orientation of homologous pairs). 3) Random fertilisation. Result: genetically unique gametes.
Q2: Compare mitosis and meiosis.
Mitosis: 1 division, 2 diploid daughter cells, genetically identical to parent. Purpose: growth/repair. Meiosis: 2 divisions, 4 haploid daughter cells, genetically unique. Purpose: gamete production. Crossing over occurs only in meiosis.
Sample Quiz Questions
Q1: Meiosis produces two genetically identical diploid cells.
Answer: FALSE
Meiosis produces FOUR genetically UNIQUE HAPLOID cells. Mitosis produces two genetically identical diploid cells.
Q2: Crossing over in meiosis increases genetic variation by exchanging segments between homologous chromosomes.
Answer: TRUE
During prophase I, homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material at chiasmata, creating new allele combinations in the resulting gametes.
Related Concepts
Last updated: March 2026 · 2 flashcards · 2 quiz questions