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IGCSEBiology

Meiosis

Exam-ready definition

Reduction division in which the chromosome number is halved, producing four genetically different gametes from one parent cell.

How this is marked

Three scoring ideas: halves the chromosome number, produces gametes, and genetic variation. The classic compare-mitosis-and-meiosis table question is near-guaranteed across a syllabus cycle.

In an exam answer

Explaining gamete formation: 'Gametes are made by meiosis, which halves the chromosome number and produces four genetically different cells.'

Full topic guide: Inheritance