Question 1: Define meiosis and explain its primary purpose in living organisms.

Answer: Meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, producing four genetically diverse haploid gametes, essential for sexual reproduction.

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: Describe how genetic variation is increased during meiosis.

Answer: Genetic variation is increased through crossing over in prophase I and the independent assortment of homologous chromosomes during metaphase I.

Question 1: A human somatic cell has 46 chromosomes. How many chromosomes are in each gamete produced by meiosis? Show your calculation.

Answer: Number of chromosomes in gametes = 46 ÷ 2 = 23 chromosomes.

Question 2: If a species has a diploid chromosome number of 32, what is the haploid number? Provide the formula used.

Answer: Haploid number = 32 ÷ 2 = 16.

Question 1: Describe a basic experimental approach to observe meiosis in a laboratory setting using plant root tips. Include safety precautions.

Answer: One approach involves preparing slides of stained root tips to observe the chromosomes during cell division under a microscope. Safety precautions include wearing lab coats, gloves, and eye protection; handling staining chemicals carefully; and disposing of chemical waste properly.

Question 2: Identify two variables that could affect the accuracy of observing meiotic stages in an experiment and how to control them.

Answer: Variables include the temperature, which should be kept constant, and the staining time, which must be standardised to ensure consistent chromosome visibility.

Question 1: In an experiment, 100 cells undergoing meiosis were observed, and the following stages were recorded: 20 in prophase I, 15 in metaphase I, 10 in anaphase I, 15 in telophase I, 20 in prophase II, 10 in metaphase II, 10 in anaphase II, and 10 in telophase II. What does this data suggest about the duration of each stage, and which stage appears to last the longest?

Answer: The data suggests that prophase I and prophase II last longer than other stages, as more cells are observed in these stages. Prophase I appears to last the longest among all stages.

Question 1: How is knowledge of meiosis utilised in plant breeding programs to develop new crop varieties?

Answer: Understanding meiosis allows breeders to select for desirable traits, manipulate crossing over, and produce genetically diverse offspring, leading to improved crop varieties with better yield, disease resistance, and environmental adaptability.

Question 2: Explain the significance of meiosis in maintaining genetic stability across generations in sexually reproducing populations.

Answer: Meiosis reduces the chromosome number by half, ensuring that when gametes fuse during fertilisation, the resulting zygote maintains the species-specific chromosome number. It also promotes genetic variation through crossing over and independent assortment, which is vital for evolution and adaptability.