# Explain why meiosis is important in sexual reproduction, and describe what happens to chromosomes during meiosis.

> WJEC A-Level Biology (Wales) — 1.6 Cell division · Explain and Describe · 5 marks

> Sexual reproduction requires the production of sex cells. Meiosis is the type of cell division responsible for producing these cells.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Meiosis produces gametes (sex cells / sperm and egg cells)
2. Each gamete contains half the number of chromosomes found in body cells (is haploid)
3. During interphase, the chromosome number doubles / DNA is replicated before meiosis begins
4. Meiosis involves two cell divisions, producing four genetically unique daughter cells
5. During fertilisation, two gametes fuse to restore the full chromosome number, forming a zygote

## Key terms

- [meiosis](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/meiosis)
- [chromosome](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/chromosome)

## Related

- [Revision notes for WJEC A-Level Biology (Wales)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain and Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-meiosis-is-important-in-6b1879e9) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.