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Mitosis and meiosis: exam questions

6 questions, 18 marks. Write your answers on paper, then open each mark scheme.

Spec 17.2, 17.3
Supplement (what this means)Supplement: only for the Extended papers (2 and 4). Core students can skip it. What the labels mean
Questions and mark scheme (PDF)3 pages

Question 1

Supplement (what this means)Supplement: only for the Extended papers (2 and 4). Core students can skip it. What the labels mean

Which describes the cells produced by mitosis?

  1. two genetically identical cells
  2. two genetically different cells
  3. four genetically identical cells
  4. four haploid cells
[1 mark]
Show mark scheme for question 1

Answer: A (1)

Question 2

Supplement (what this means)Supplement: only for the Extended papers (2 and 4). Core students can skip it. What the labels mean

A human cell with 46 chromosomes divides by meiosis. How many chromosomes are in each cell produced?

  1. 12
  2. 23
  3. 46
  4. 92
[1 mark]
Show mark scheme for question 2

Answer: B (1)

Question 3

Supplement (what this means)Supplement: only for the Extended papers (2 and 4). Core students can skip it. What the labels mean

(a) Define mitosis. [2] (b) State what happens to the chromosomes before mitosis begins. [1] (c) State one use of mitosis in a plant or animal. [1]

[4 marks]
Show mark scheme for question 3
  • (a) nuclear division (1)
  • giving rise to genetically identical cells (1)
  • (b) the chromosomes are replicated exactly / copied (1)
  • (c) growth / repair of damaged tissues / replacement of cells / asexual reproduction (1)

Question 4

Supplement (what this means)Supplement: only for the Extended papers (2 and 4). Core students can skip it. What the labels mean

(a) Describe what is meant by a stem cell. [2] (b) Name the type of cell division that stem cells use to make new cells. [1]

[3 marks]
Show mark scheme for question 4
  • (a) an unspecialised cell (1)
  • that divides to produce daughter cells that can become specialised (for specific functions) (1)
  • (b) mitosis (1)

Question 5

Supplement (what this means)Supplement: only for the Extended papers (2 and 4). Core students can skip it. What the labels mean

(a) State the type of cell that is produced by meiosis. [1] (b) Describe meiosis in terms of chromosome number. [2] (c) Explain why gametes must be haploid. [1]

[4 marks]
Show mark scheme for question 5
  • (a) gametes / sex cells (1)
  • (b) the chromosome number is halved (1)
  • from diploid to haploid (1)
  • (c) so that the diploid number is restored at fertilisation / so the chromosome number does not double in each generation (1)

Question 6

Supplement (what this means)Supplement: only for the Extended papers (2 and 4). Core students can skip it. What the labels mean

Compare mitosis and meiosis. [5]

[5 marks]
Show mark scheme for question 6
  • mitosis produces genetically identical cells but meiosis produces genetically different cells (1) each mark needs a comparison; ignore a statement about only one type of division
  • mitosis keeps the chromosome number the same but meiosis halves it (1) allow mitosis: diploid to diploid; meiosis: diploid to haploid
  • mitosis is used for growth / repair / replacement of cells / asexual reproduction but meiosis is used to produce gametes (1)
  • mitosis makes two cells and meiosis makes four cells (1)
  • meiosis happens only in the reproductive organs / testes and ovaries, mitosis happens in body cells (1)
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