Making gametes: meiosis
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how a type of cell division called meiosis makes gametes for sexual reproduction.
Key learning points
- Reproduction is part of the life cycle of all organisms; sexual reproduction requires specialised cells called gametes.
- Gametes are made from body cells by a type of cell division called meiosis.
- During interphase the chromosomes are copied; meiosis follows this and includes two rounds of cell division.
- The gametes made by meiosis have half the usual number of chromosomes (one from each pair in the original body cell).
- Mitosis produces 2 genetically identical diploid cells, whereas meiosis produces 4 genetically different haploid cells.
Keywords
Sexual reproduction - A type of reproduction that combines the genetic material of two organisms to produce genetically different offspring.
Gametes - An organism's sex cells that contain half the number of chromosomes.
Meiosis - A type of cell division that forms the gametes.
Chromosomes - Highly coiled strands of DNA found inside the nucleus of eukaryotic cells.
Haploid - A cell with half the number of chromosomes.
Common misconception
Knowing the differences between mitosis and meiosis. In particular when they are used, the number of cell divisions and if variation is present.
The final learning cycle of the lesson serves to compare the features of mitosis and meiosis, this includes CFU questions and a practice task.
Teacher tip
You can model the process of gametes fusing to form a zygote to show why gametes are haploid. A non-example could also be used to showcase what would happen if gametes were diploid.
Equipment
None required.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Reproduction that involves two organisms is called ...
Q2.What is the name of the process where the sperm and the egg fuse together?
Q3.What is the name of the cell that is produced by the fusing of the sperm and the egg during fertilisation?
Q4.DNA is highly coiled to form the ...
Q5.Put these stages of the cell cycle and cell division in order.
Q6.Gametes are the name given to sex cells; what are the sex cells in humans?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What word is used to describe the sex cells?
Q2.Match each process to the correct description.
where the sperm and egg fuse to form the zygote
cell division that forms the gametes
involves two parents producing genetically different offspring
reproduction involving only one organism
Q3.Put the stages of meiosis into the correct order.
Q4.What word is used to describe cells with half the number of chromosomes?
Q5.Which of the following are true for mitosis?
Q6.Which statements are true for meiosis?
To help you plan your 10 combined science lesson on: Making gametes: meiosis, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 combined science lesson on: Making gametes: meiosis, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 combined science lessons from the Cell division: mitosis and meiosis unit, dive into the full secondary combined science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.