Science (086) — AI-generated practice question

The process is meiosis (a special type of cell division).

Problem: In sexual reproduction, two individuals combine their DNA to form a new individual. If each parent contributes a full set of chromosomes, the offspring would have twice the DNA of the parents, disrupting the cellular apparatus.

Solution: Special reproductive cells (germ-cells) are formed in specialised organs through meiosis, which halves the number of chromosomes and the amount of DNA. When two such germ-cells (gametes) combine during fertilisation, the normal chromosome number and DNA content are restored in the new generation.

Source: Chapter 7, Section 7.3.1 — Why the Sexual Mode of Reproduction?

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• The examiner expects you to name meiosis, state the problem (doubling of DNA each generation), and explain the solution (halving via meiosis in germ-cells, restoration at fertilisation). These are three distinct points matching the 3 marks.
• Don't confuse meiosis with mitosis — meiosis specifically halves the chromosome number; mitosis keeps it the same.
• Key terms to use: meiosis, germ-cells, gametes, chromosomes, fertilisation — these signal to the examiner you know the concept precisely.