# Outline why meiosis, rather than mitosis, is used to produce gametes.

> Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610) — 17.3 Meiosis · Outline · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Meiosis halves the chromosome number
2. So that when two gametes fuse at fertilisation the correct diploid chromosome number is restored
3. Meiosis produces four daughter cells / gametes
4. The daughter cells are genetically different from each other, producing genetic variation

## Key terms

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

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/outline-why-meiosis-rather-than-mitosis-c0eb5de2) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.