Cell division: mitosis and meiosis
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Threads
Why this why now
This unit builds on pupils’ prior learning from Inheritance, genotype and phenotype, where they explored how genetic traits are passed down and expressed in organisms. It deepens their understanding by examining cell division through mitosis and meiosis, focusing on how these processes contribute to growth, reproduction, and genetic variation. This prepares pupils for the next unit, Stem cells and differentiation, where they will apply their knowledge to understand how cells develop into specialised types, further reinforcing concepts of cellular development and genetic expression.
Prior knowledge requirements
- [Y5] Growth and reproduction are part of the life cycle of all living organisms.
- All organisms are made up of one or more cells.
- Chromosomes stored in cells provide instructions for growth and other life processes.
- Humans and plants can reproduce sexually to have offspring that inherit some, but not all, of the characteristics of the parents.
- During sexual reproduction, male and female gametes fuse in process called fertilisation.
Threads
Why this why now
This unit builds on pupils’ prior learning from Inheritance, genotype and phenotype, where they explored how genetic traits are passed down and expressed in organisms. It deepens their understanding by examining cell division through mitosis and meiosis, focusing on how these processes contribute to growth, reproduction, and genetic variation. This prepares pupils for the next unit, Stem cells and differentiation, where they will apply their knowledge to understand how cells develop into specialised types, further reinforcing concepts of cellular development and genetic expression.
Prior knowledge requirements
- [Y5] Growth and reproduction are part of the life cycle of all living organisms.
- All organisms are made up of one or more cells.
- Chromosomes stored in cells provide instructions for growth and other life processes.
- Humans and plants can reproduce sexually to have offspring that inherit some, but not all, of the characteristics of the parents.
- During sexual reproduction, male and female gametes fuse in process called fertilisation.
Biology
Cell division: mitosis and meiosis
This unit covers mitosis and the cell cycle in growth, cancer as uncontrolled cell division, and the role of mutations in genetic variation. It explains meiosis in gamete formation and chromosome reduction. The emphasis is on recording observations and interpreting patterns to draw conclusions.
5 lessons in unit
slide decks, worksheet PDFs, quizzes and lesson overviews. You can select individual lessons from the Cell division: mitosis and meiosis unit and download the resources you need, or download the entire unit now. See every unit listed in our AQA secondary biology curriculum and discover more of our teaching resources for AQA secondary biology programmes.