enables a species to adapt to

MEI
halves the number of MEI
a changing environment or to
chromosomes in cells colonise new environments.

enables a species to colonise

produces cells with the diploid
MIT an area quickly using asexual MIT
number of chromosomes
reproduction

important for the repair of

when out of control, a
MIT damaged tissue where new cells MIT
cancerous tumour may result
must be identical to damaged cells

the original (parent) cell 4 daughter cells are

MIT MEI
becomes 2 daughter cells made

the daughter cells contain half

produces new genetic
MEI the number of chromosomes as MEI
combinations in individuals the parent cell

daughter cells have the same

cell division by
MEI number of chromosomes as the MIT
reduction parent cell

happens only in gamete

the daughter (new) cells are
MIT producing organs (testes, MEI
copies of the parent cell
ovaries, pollen sacs, ovules)

ensures that the number of

MEI chromosomes remains the same produces clones MIT
in sexually reproducing organisms

important for the growth of DNA is copied exactly (if

MIT plants and animals there are no mutations) MIT

forms gametes (sex produces cells with the haploid

MEI cells) number of chromosomes MEI

chromosomes of the parent cell increases the variety of

are duplicated in the daughter offspring - provides a varied
MIT MEI
cells stock of individuals

www.ulster.ac.uk/scienceinsociety/ [2 ] Resource for Teachers

 Classify the statements as either mitosis or meiosis by placing
the descriptions on top of the correct label.

M i t o s i s

M e i o s i s

www.ulster.ac.uk/scienceinsociety/ [3 ] Resource for Teachers