Why are germ-cells in complex multicellular organisms produced by meiosis rather than by the same cell division that produces ordinary body cells?
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-26 01:06 · grounding rag
Model Answer
In complex multicellular organisms, germ-cells are produced by meiosis because when two germ-cells (gametes) fuse during sexual reproduction, the resulting cell must have the normal chromosome number. If germ-cells were produced by ordinary mitotic division, fusion would double the chromosome number in every generation, eventually making normal development impossible. Meiosis halves the chromosome number, ensuring it is restored upon fertilisation.
Source: Chapter 7, Sexual Reproduction
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Explanation
- The key concept is maintaining the chromosome number across generations.
- Examiners expect you to mention: (1) meiosis halves chromosome number, (2) fertilisation restores it, (3) mitosis would cause doubling with each generation.
- Do not just write "meiosis is cell division" — the reason (chromosome number maintenance) is what earns marks.
- Both marks are usually split: 1 mark for "meiosis halves chromosome number" + 1 mark for explaining what would happen without it (doubling each generation).