Cell Division (Mitosis & Meiosis) — GCSE Biology Revision
Revise Cell Division (Mitosis & Meiosis) for GCSE Biology. Step-by-step explanation, worked examples, common mistakes and exam-style practice aligned to AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, Eduqas, CCEA, Cambridge International (CIE), SQA, IB, AP.
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Go to Stem CellsWhat is Cell Division (Mitosis & Meiosis)?
Cell division is essential for growth, repair, and reproduction. Mitosis produces two genetically identical daughter cells for growth and asexual reproduction. Meiosis produces four genetically different gametes (sex cells) with half the number of chromosomes, for sexual reproduction.
Board notes: Covered by all major boards (AQA, Edexcel, OCR). The distinction between the two processes and their outcomes is a key focus.
Step-by-step explanationWorked example
A human body cell has 46 chromosomes. After one round of mitosis, it produces two daughter cells, each with 46 chromosomes. The same cell undergoing meiosis would produce four gametes, each with 23 chromosomes.
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Common mistakes
- 1Mixing up mitosis and meiosis. Remember, mi-TOE-sis happens in your toes (body cells), while mei-O-sis happens in your ovaries/testes (sex cells).
- 2Thinking that mitosis creates sex cells. Mitosis creates identical body cells; only meiosis creates gametes like sperm and egg cells.
- 3Forgetting that the chromosome number is halved in meiosis. This is crucial so that when two gametes fuse during fertilisation, the resulting embryo has the correct, full number of chromosomes.
Cell Division (Mitosis & Meiosis) exam questions
Exam-style questions for Cell Division (Mitosis & Meiosis) with mark-scheme style solutions and timing practice. Aligned to AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, Eduqas, CCEA, Cambridge International (CIE), SQA, IB, AP specifications.
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Step-by-step method
Step-by-step explanation
4 steps · Worked method for Cell Division (Mitosis & Meiosis)
Core concept
Cell division is essential for growth, repair, and reproduction. Mitosis produces two genetically identical daughter cells for growth and asexual reproduction. Meiosis produces four genetically differ…
Frequently asked questions
What are the stages of mitosis?
The main stages are prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase, followed by cytokinesis. In GCSE, you mainly need to know that the DNA replicates and then the cell divides once to form two identical cells.
Why is meiosis important for sexual reproduction?
Meiosis creates genetic variation in the offspring by mixing up the parents' genes and produces gametes with half the number of chromosomes. This ensures the chromosome number remains stable across generations.