Meiosis - AQA GCSE Biology Exam Questions

Practise 33 exam-style questions on Meiosis for AQA GCSE Biology. Write your answer as you would in the exam and get it marked in seconds against the mark scheme, point by point, with an AI tutor on hand if you get stuck.

33 questions
2–4 marks each
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20 questions, marked as you go

Sample questions with model answers

Here are 4 of the questions in this topic, each with a model answer, an explanation of why it earns the marks and the mark scheme an examiner would use.

Question 1

2 marks

Why are gametes produced by meiosis described as genetically different? Give one clear reason.

Model answer

Because of crossing over (recombination) and independent assortment of chromosomes during meiosis, producing new allele combinations.

Explanation

Both processes during meiosis shuffle alleles so each gamete receives a different set of genetic information.

Mark scheme

1 mark
Crossing over (recombination) produces new allele combinations.
1 mark
Independent assortment of homologous chromosomes produces different combinations in gametes.

Question 2

2 marks

Why is genetic variation produced by meiosis and fertilisation beneficial for a species living in a changing environment?

Model answer

Variation increases the chance some individuals have traits suited to new conditions; these individuals are more likely to survive and reproduce, so the species can adapt and persists.

Explanation

Natural selection acts on variation so populations can evolve in response to environmental change.

Mark scheme

1 mark
Variation means some individuals may have traits better suited to changed conditions.
1 mark
Those individuals are more likely to survive and reproduce, allowing adaptation of the species.

Question 3

3 marks

Explain how meiosis contributes to evolution by natural selection.

Model answer

Meiosis creates genetic variation in gametes; variation means some offspring have traits better suited to the environment; those individuals are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on advantageous alleles; over generations this leads to evolution.

Explanation

Variation from meiosis provides the raw material for natural selection; individuals with beneficial traits leave more offspring, changing allele frequencies over time.

Mark scheme

1 mark
Meiosis creates genetic variation in gametes.
1 mark
Variation leads to differences in survival and reproductive success in a given environment (natural selection).
1 mark
Advantageous alleles become more common in a population over generations (evolution).

Question 4

3 marks

Describe how a scientist could demonstrate independent assortment using pollen grain gametes from a plant with two chromosome pairs having different alleles.

Model answer

Use a parent heterozygous for two genes on different chromosomes; collect many gametes and score for combinations of alleles; observe approximately equal frequencies of the four possible combinations, showing random assortment.

Explanation

Independent assortment predicts a 1:1:1:1 ratio for gamete allele combinations if genes are on different chromosomes.

Mark scheme

1 mark
Use a parent heterozygous for two unlinked genes (e.g. AaBb).
1 mark
Collect and score many gametes for allele combinations (AB, Ab, aB, ab).
1 mark
Find roughly equal frequencies of the four combinations, demonstrating independent assortment.

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