Why are offspring produced by asexual reproduction genetically identical to their parent?
Mitosis produces two genetically identical diploid cells; meiosis produces four genetically different haploid cells.
It can alter gene expression, changing whether a protein is made or how much is produced.
Mitosis copies every chromosome exactly, so each offspring receives a complete copy of the parent's DNA.
The two DNA strands are held together by weak hydrogen bonds between complementary bases.
3.1 Reproduction and meiosis Flashcards
Flashcards for Edexcel GCSE Biology 3.1 Reproduction and meiosis, covering the key terms, definitions and processes you need to recall for Paper 1 and Paper 2. 20 cards drawn from 3.1.1 Advantages and disadvantages of reproduction and 3.1.2 Role of meiotic cell division, matched to the Edexcel GCSE Biology (1BI0) specification. Recall questions account for roughly 40% of marks at GCSE Biology, so these target the marks you can secure before the paper starts.