Edexcel A Level Biology A (Salters-Nuffield)
Edexcel A Level Biology A (Salters-Nuffield) Topic 3: Cell Division and Fertilisation Exam Questions
Free Edexcel A Level Biology A (Salters-Nuffield) exam questions on Topic 3: Cell Division and Fertilisation, with mark schemes. Covers the cell cycle, mitosis, meiosis, independent assortment, crossing over and fertilisation in mammals and plants.
Topic 3: Cell Division and Fertilisation exam questions
These packs of real past exam questions cover the whole of Topic 3: Voice of the Genome, including Topic 3: Cell Division and Fertilisation. Work through every question on this sub-topic, then mark your answers against the mark scheme.
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Edexcel A Level Biology A (SNAB) 9BN0 Flashcards (Anki & Quizlet)
Every answer is written in mark scheme wording, so you learn exactly what examiners give marks for. Use them on Anki or Quizlet, then test yourself with the questions on this page.
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About Edexcel A Level Biology A (Salters-Nuffield) Topic 3: Cell Division and Fertilisation
This part of Topic 3 compares mitosis and meiosis and explains how fertilisation produces variation. Root tip squash is the related core practical.
What you need to know
- Cell cycle and mitosis Interphase, prophase, metaphase, anaphase and telophase, then cytokinesis, producing two genetically identical diploid cells.
- Meiosis Two divisions produce four haploid cells. Independent assortment and crossing over create genetic variation.
- Fertilisation Acrosome reaction, cortical reaction and fusion of nuclei in mammals; pollen tube growth and double fertilisation in flowering plants.
- Mitotic index The proportion of cells in a sample undergoing mitosis.
Common mistakes in Topic 3: Cell Division and Fertilisation
- Saying mitosis produces haploid cells.
- Mixing up independent assortment and crossing over.
- Forgetting the cortical reaction prevents polyspermy.
Try three Topic 3: Cell Division and Fertilisation exam-style questions
1. Explain how meiosis produces genetic variation. (3 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Crossing over exchanges alleles between homologous chromosomes (1); independent assortment gives new combinations of chromosomes (1); so gametes are genetically different (1).
2. Calculate the mitotic index if 24 cells out of 200 are in mitosis. (1 mark)
Show the mark scheme answer
24 / 200 = 0.12.
3. Describe the role of the acrosome reaction. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Enzymes released from the acrosome (1) digest the zona pellucida so the sperm can reach the egg membrane (1).
Topic 3: Cell Division and Fertilisation FAQs
What does this part of SNAB Topic 3 cover?
The cell cycle, mitosis, meiosis and fertilisation.
Is there a core practical?
Yes, preparing and staining a root tip squash to observe mitosis.
What is double fertilisation?
In plants, one male nucleus fuses with the egg and another with the polar nuclei to form the endosperm.
Revise this topic with flashcards: Edexcel A Level Biology A (SNAB) 9BN0 Flashcards, with mark scheme answers for Anki and Quizlet.
