# Describe how the process of sexual reproduction leads to genetic variation in offspring.

> Eduqas GCSE Biology — 2.4.1 Variation · Describe · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Sexual reproduction involves the fusion of male and female gametes (fertilisation)
2. Gametes contain half the usual number of chromosomes (are haploid), so each parent contributes different alleles
3. Offspring inherit alleles from both parents, giving a different combination of alleles (genotype) to either parent
4. Different combinations of alleles result in different phenotypes / characteristics among offspring

## Key terms

- [sexual reproduction](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/sexual-reproduction)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/describe-how-the-process-of-sexual-c76a4d38) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.