IB Biology

Topic 4: Genetics
Revision Questions

4.2 Meiosis Revision

Questions
1. If the amount of DNA in a haploid gamete is represented by , what is the net
quantity of DNA in a cell from the same organism at the start of meiosis?
A.

0.5

B.

C.

D.

4
(Total 1 mark)

2. What happens in crossing over?

A.

Exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes

B.

Exchange of genes during metaphase of mitosis

C.

Random distribution of chromosomes during meiosis

D.

Homologous chromosomes fail to separate during meiosis

(Total 1 mark)

3. The diagram below shows the cell of an organism going through the first division of
meiosis.

How many different combinations are possible for these chromosomes in the
haploid cells formed by meiosis?
A.

B.

C.

D.

9
(Total 1 mark)

4. Which of the following statements about homologous chromosomes is correct?

A.

Each gene is at the same locus on both chromosomes.

B.

They are two identical copies of a parent chromosome which are attached
to one another at the centromere.

C.

They always produce identical phenotypes.

IB Biology
Topic 4: Genetics
Revision Questions
D.

They are chromosomes that have identical genes and alleles.

(Total 1 mark)

5. Which of the following types of information are needed to construct a karyotype?

I.

Size of the chromosomes

II.

Gene mutations of the chromosomes

III.

Age of the individual

A.

I only

B.

II only

C.

I and II only

D.

I, II and III
(Total 1 mark)

6. In the following diagram, which pair represents homologous chromosomes?

A.

1 and 2

B.

3 and 4

C.

2 and 5

D.

4 and 6
(Total 1 mark)

7. Which of the following will promote variation in a species?

I.

Meiosis

II.

Fertilization

III.

Natural selection

A.

I only

B.

II only

C.

I and II only

D.

I, II and III
(Total 1 mark)

IB Biology
Topic 4: Genetics
Revision Questions
8. What does the karyotype below correspond to?

A.

A normal male

B.

A normal female

C.

A female with Down syndrome

D.

A male with Down syndrome

(Total 1 mark)

9. Which phase of cell division is photographed in order to make a karyotype?

A.

Anaphase of mitosis

B.

Anaphase I of meiosis

C.

Metaphase of mitosis

D.

Metaphase II of meiosis
(Total 1 mark)

10. If the haploid number of a species is 14, how many chromatids will there be in
metaphase I in a dividing diploid cell?
A.

B.

14

C.

28

D.

56
(Total 1 mark)

11.

The karyotype below shows the chromosomes from a person with Down

IB Biology
Topic 4: Genetics
Revision Questions
syndrome.

[Source: U.S. Department of Energy Human Genome Program (genomics.energy.gov,

genomicscience.energy.gov)]

(a)

State the evidence provided by the karyotype that shows this person has
Down syndrome.
.......................................................................................................................
(1)

(b)

Outline how Down syndrome occurs due to meiosis.

.......................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................
(2)

(c)

Determine, giving a reason, the sex of the person in the karyotype.

.......................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................

12. Explain how sexual reproduction can eventually lead to evolution in offspring.
(8)

IB Biology
Topic 4: Genetics
Revision Questions

13. Describe karyotyping and one application of its use.

(4)

IB Biology
Topic 4: Genetics
Revision Questions