Meiosis and Reproduction

Producing cells which have half the normal number of chromosomes

• The cell first duplicates its genetic information • After replicating the chromosomes arrange themselves into pairs • The cell splits • Then the chromosome pairs line up in the centre of the cell • The chromosomes are then pulled apart so that each cell only has one “arm” • Then the cell splits again creating four gametes, each gamete is different from the other because the chromosomes all get shuffled up

• Creates variation (because of the parents) and variation increases the chances of the species surviving • If the individual with surviving characteristics survive, they will have offspring with similar characteristics which will also survive (natural selection)

• Only need one parent • Uses less energy because organisms don’t need to find a mate • Faster reproduction • Identical offspring can be produced in favourable conditions

Malaria - reproduces sexually in the mosquito but reproduces asexually in humans Some types of fungi Some plants

Female - XX Male - XY