Question 1: Define meiosis and explain its primary purpose in sexual reproduction.

Answer: Meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, producing four haploid gametes, and is essential for sexual reproduction to generate genetic diversity.

Question 2: List the main stages of meiosis in the correct order.

Answer: Prophase I, Metaphase I, Anaphase I, Telophase I, Cytokinesis, Prophase II, Metaphase II, Anaphase II, Telophase II, Cytokinesis.

Question 3: How does meiosis contribute to genetic variation among offspring?

Answer: Genetic variation arises through crossing over during Prophase I and independent assortment of homologous chromosomes during Metaphase I, resulting in different combinations of alleles.

Question 4: Explain the difference between haploid and diploid cells with reference to meiosis.

Answer: Diploid cells contain two sets of chromosomes (2n), while haploid cells contain only one set (n). Meiosis reduces the chromosome number from diploid to haploid to produce gametes for sexual reproduction.

Question 5: Calculate the number of different chromosome combinations possible in human gametes assuming humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes.

Answer: 2^23 = 8,388,608

Question 6: Identify two key differences between meiosis and mitosis.

Answer: Meiosis produces four genetically diverse haploid cells, whereas mitosis produces two identical diploid cells. Meiosis involves two divisions, mitosis involves one.

Question 7: Describe the significance of crossing over during Prophase I.

Answer: Crossing over involves the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes, which increases genetic diversity among gametes and thus among offspring.

Question 8: Outline a simple experimental method to investigate the effect of temperature on the rate of meiosis in plant cells.

Answer: Select plant samples, expose them to different controlled temperature conditions, then observe and record the number of cells undergoing meiosis at each temperature using microscopy and staining techniques.

Question 9: Discuss the importance of meiosis in maintaining chromosomal stability across generations.

Answer: Meiosis ensures that each gamete receives only one set of chromosomes, preventing chromosome doubling in offspring. It also promotes genetic variation, which is vital for adaptation and evolution.

Question 10: In modern medicine, how is understanding meiosis important for addressing human fertility issues?

Answer: Understanding meiosis helps identify causes of infertility related to chromosomal abnormalities, and informs treatments such as assisted reproductive technologies and genetic counselling.

Question 11: Explain how technological advances might improve our understanding of meiosis in the future.

Answer: Advances such as high-resolution live-cell imaging, genetic editing techniques like CRISPR, and sequencing technologies will allow detailed observation of meiosis in real-time, helping to uncover causes of meiotic errors and develop targeted therapies.