Question 1: Explain in your own words what meiosis is and why it is important for genetic diversity.

Answer: Meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, producing four genetically diverse haploid cells. It is important for genetic diversity because it allows for the mixing of genetic material, which is essential for evolution and species adaptation.

Question 2: How does the process of meiosis relate to the development of nanotechnology tools designed for genetic manipulation?

Answer: Meiosis creates genetic diversity by producing haploid cells, which are essential for genetic manipulation in nanotechnology. Techniques like targeted gene editing often rely on understanding meiosis to develop precise nanodevices that can alter genetic material effectively.

Question 1: Define meiosis and describe its two main stages.

Answer: Meiosis is a process of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, producing four haploid cells. Its two main stages are meiosis I, where homologous chromosomes separate, and meiosis II, where sister chromatids separate.

Question 2: List three differences between mitosis and meiosis.

Answer: Mitosis results in two identical diploid cells, while meiosis produces four genetically diverse haploid cells; mitosis involves one division, meiosis involves two; mitosis occurs in somatic cells, meiosis occurs in germ cells.

Question 1: A human cell has 46 chromosomes. How many chromosomes will each haploid cell have after meiosis? Show your working.

Answer: 46 ÷ 2 = 23 chromosomes

Question 2: If a nanotechnology device is designed to target cells with a specific number of chromosomes, how many chromosomes should it be programmed to recognise in human cells? (Assume typical human chromosome number).

Answer: 23 chromosomes, since haploid cells have 23 chromosomes in humans.

Question 1: Design a simple experiment to test the effect of a chemical compound on the process of meiosis in a model organism. Include the variables you would control and observe.

Answer: The experiment involves treating a population of model organisms (e.g., yeast) with varying concentrations of the chemical compound. The independent variable is the concentration of the chemical. The dependent variable is the rate or success of meiosis, observed by counting the number of haploid cells produced. Controlled variables include temperature, age of organisms, and nutrient availability. Safety precautions include handling chemicals with proper protective equipment and disposing of waste responsibly.

Question 1: A study measures the percentage of successful meiosis in cells treated with a nanotechnology-based gene editing tool. Results show 85% success in control samples and 60% in treated samples. What can be inferred about the impact of the nanotechnology tool on meiosis?

Answer: The nanotechnology tool appears to reduce the success rate of meiosis, possibly indicating interference with chromosome segregation or cellular processes involved in meiosis.

Question 2: If the goal is to improve the nanotechnology device to increase meiosis success rates, what factors should be investigated based on this data?

Answer: Factors include the specificity of the gene editing process, potential damage to chromosomes, and the timing of intervention during meiosis. Optimising these could improve success rates.

Question 1: Explain how understanding meiosis is crucial for developing nanotechnology applications aimed at correcting genetic disorders. Include at least three points in your answer. (6 marks)

Answer: Understanding meiosis is essential because: 1) it allows nanotechnologists to target specific stages of cell division where genetic errors occur; 2) it provides insights into genetic diversity and how to manipulate genes safely; 3) it helps in designing nanodevices that can precisely interact with chromosomes during gamete formation, reducing the risk of unintended genetic alterations.