A diploid cell in the testes of a human male undergoes meiosis. State the number of daughter cells produced and describe two features of these daughter cells that result from meiosis.
Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).
Model answer (4 marks)
Four daughter cells are produced.
1. Each daughter cell is haploid, containing half the chromosome number of the parent.
2. The daughter cells are genetically different from one another, providing increased genetic variation in offspring.
1. Each daughter cell is haploid, containing half the chromosome number of the parent.
2. The daughter cells are genetically different from one another, providing increased genetic variation in offspring.
Examiner tips
- Use the word ‘four’ to show the number of cells. Mention ‘haploid’ and ‘genetically different’ explicitly. Link the genetic difference to increased variation in the species.
Common mistakes
- Saying ‘two daughter cells’ instead of four. Omitting the word ‘haploid’ or ‘genetically different’. Failing to mention the importance of variation for the species.
Mark scheme (4 marks)
- Four daughter cells are produced
- The daughter cells are haploid / contain half the chromosome number
- The daughter cells are genetically different from one another / genetically unique
- The genetic difference / variation produced is important for / increases genetic variation in offspring / the species
Key terms in this question
meiosis · diploid cell · daughter cells
Related
- All Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610) revision notes →
- How to answer a "Describe" question →
- Decode the mark scheme abbreviations →
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