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Life Sciences-DNA Code of Life - Meiosis - 240520 - 175851
Life Sciences-DNA Code of Life - Meiosis - 240520 - 175851
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE
1. Introduction 3
2. How to use this Self-study Guide 4
3. DNA: The Code of Life 5
3.1 Mind map on DNA - Code of life 5
3.2 Links to prior-knowledge/background knowledge 6
3.3 Practice questions on prior-knowledge 7-8
3.4 Differentiate between related terminologies 9-12
3.5 DNA Replication – exam tips/techniques/notes 13
3.6 Practice questions on DNA Replication 14
3.7 DNA profiling – exam tips/techniques/notes 15
3.8 Practice questions on DNA Profiling 17
3.9 Protein Synthesis – exam tips/techniques/notes 18
3.10 Practice questions on DNA Replication and Transcription 19
3.11 Genetic Coding – exam tips/techniques/notes 20
3.12 The effect of mutation on protein structure (DNA sequence) 22
exam tips/techniques/notes
3.13 Practice questions on mutation and Protein structure 25
3.14 Typical exam questions 28
3.15 Solutions to DNA practice questions 37
4. Meiosis 41
4.1 Mind map on Meiosis 42
4.2 Links to prior-knowledge/background knowledge 43
4.3 Differentiate between related terminologies 44
4.4 Process of meiosis - exam tips/techniques/notes 48
4.5 Practical questions on Meiosis 52
4.6 Typical exam questions 60
4.7 Solutions to DNA practice questions 64
5. References 66
6. Acknowledgement 66
pg. 2
1. INTRODUCTION
As part of mitigating against the impact of COVID-19 on the current Grade 12, the
Department of Basic Education (DBE) worked in collaboration with subject specialists
from various Provincial Education Departments (PEDs) developed this Self-Study
Guide. The Study Guide covers those topics, skills and concepts that are located in
Grade 12, that are critical to lay the foundation for Grade 12. The main aim is to close
the pre-existing content gaps to strengthen the mastery of subject knowledge in Grade
12. More importantly, the Study Guide will engender the attitudes in the learners to
learning independently while mastering the core cross-cutting concepts.
pg. 3
2. HOW TO USE THIS SELF STUDY GUIDE
pg. 4
DNA - CODE OF LIFE
pg. 5
3.2 LINKS TO PRIOR-KNOWLEDGE/BACKGROUND KNOWLEDGE
It is important to know the location, composition and function of the ribosome, cytoplasm and the parts
of the nucleus (nuclear membrane, nucleoplasm, nucleolus, chromatin network).
Structure of a cell
pg. 6
6. Ribosome Found along the Ribosomes are made Makes protein for the cell
endoplasmic reticulum up of some protein (the site of protein
Some ribosomes are and RNA. synthesis)
found in the cytoplasm
7. Nucleolus Small, dense Made of proteins and Produces ribosomes
structures within RNA. No membrane
nucleus
Diagram A Diagram B
1.1.1 Identify the organelle (number and name) in Diagram A that is represented by
Diagram B. 1ü- nucleusü
pg. 7
(c) Way in which substances get into and out of the organelle represented by
diagram B
The nuclear envelope has nuclear poresü that allow substances to enter
and exit the nucleus.
1.1.4 Complete the table with regard to the location, composition and function of label D.
Found along the Ribosomes are made up of Makes proteinü for the cell (the
1.1.5 Identify the following labelled organelles and give the function of each.
LABEL
NAME OF ORGANELLE FUNCTION OF ORGANELLE
NUMBER
Note:
A centrosome is made of two
separate centrioles.
Centrioles are present in animal
cells but not in plant cells.
pg. 8
3.4 DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN RELATED TERMINOLOGIES
CHROMATIN
CHROMATIN CHROMATID CENTROMERE CHROMOSOME
NETWORK
The DNA- The individual Structure that It is a thread like Visible as thread-
containing threads that form holds two structure made up like structures in
network found a chromosome chromatids of DNA/that the nucleus of an
in cells in together in a carries hereditary inactive cell
interphase replicated information in the
(non-dividing) chromosome and form of genes
which also
attaches the
chromosome to
the spindle fibres
during cell
division
pg. 9
MONOMER POLYMER
A single unit that makes up a larger molecule A large molecule which is formed from many
small molecules (monomers)
NUCLEOTIDE
The building block (monomers) of RNA and DNA. Each nucleotide consists of a pentose sugar, a
phosphate ion and a nitrogenous base.
AMINO ACID
The basic building block (monomer) of a protein molecule
ENZYME
A protein that speeds up a chemical reaction / a catalyst
TRANSCRIPTION TRANSLATION
1st stage of protein synthesis 2nd stage of protein synthesis
The synthesis of mRNA from a DNA template The process of converting the information carried
by m-RNA to the correct sequence of amino
acids to form a particular protein
pg. 10
SYNTHESIS
Building up of separate parts into a whole
CODON ANTICODON
The three adjacent bases found on a mRNA The three adjacent bases found on a tRNA
molecule. molecule that will determine which amino acid
will be brought to the ribosome.
One mRNA molecule contains a number of One tRNA molecule contains one anticodon.
codons.
GENE GENOME
Segment of a chromosome that controls each characteristic/ a unit of All the genes present in
sequenced pieces of DNA that carry the genetic information that will an organism
determine the hereditary characteristics of an organism.
HEREDITARY
Characteristics that are passed from parents to offspring
MUTATION
A sudden change in the DNA nucleotide sequence
pg. 11
3.5 DNA REPLICATION – EXAM TIPS/TECHNIQUES/NOTES
3. Each
original DNA 4. Free
strand serves
nucleotides
as a template
build a DNA
on which its
strand onto
complement is
each
built
of the original
DNA strands,
attaching their
complementary
nitrogenous
bases (A to T
and C to G)
pg. 12
3.6 PRACTICE QUESTIONS on DNA REPLICATION
2.1 Number the steps of DNA replication in the correct order (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5):
2.2 Show the complimentary base pairing that would occur in the replication of the short
DNA molecule below. Use two different coloured pencils (or different pens, markers, etc.) to
show which strands are the original and which are newly synthesized. Also indicate the
nitrogenous base.
pg. 13
(a) When and where does DNA replication take place?
This occurs during interphaseü of the cell cycle in the nucleusü.
Use a ruler to guide you, move down the column while looking at the
spacing of the bands, their thickness. (Remember, the bands are not
necessarily even spaced, and some are darker and/or thicker than
others).
pg. 14
DNA profiles are used to:
• Prove paternity (father) and maternity (mother) (biological parents)
• Determine the probability or causes of genetic defects
• Establish the compatibility of tissue types for organ transplants
• Identify relatives
• Identify crime suspects in forensic investigations (Forensic Pathologists is a person that performs
DNA tests on biological evidence collected at crime scenes)
pg. 15
3.8 PRACTICE QUESTIONS on DNA PROFILING
3.1 The diagram below shows the DNA profiles of a child, her mother and four males.
There is uncertainty about who the biological father is. To establish paternity, DNA
profiling was conducted.
3.2 The diagram below shows the DNA profiles of six different people.
pg. 16
3.9 PROTEIN SYNTHESIS – EXAM TIPS/TECHNIQUES/NOTES
PROTEIN SYNTHESIS is the process by which proteins are made in each cell of an organism to form
enzymes, hormones and new structures for cells. There are two main processes involved in protein
synthesis, namely: Stage 1: Transcription of mRNA from DNA and Stage 2: Translation of mRNA
to form proteins
4. The mRNA leaves the nucleus through the nuclear pores into the cytoplasm and attaches to
the ribosome.
5. Transfer RNA (tRNA) in the cytoplasm has three adjacent nitrogenous bases known as the
anti-codon. The mRNA’s codon will be complementary to a tRNA’s anti-codon. Each tRNA
brings a specific amino acid to the ribosome. This is called translation.
The amino acids are linked together to form a particular protein.
pg. 17
NOTE: You might not necessarily be asked to explain the entire process of Protein Synthesis but only
sections of it, for example:
• Describe the process of transcription or translation, respectively.
• Describe the involvement of the different types of RNA in protein synthesis.
4.1 Complete the following table that shows the differences between DNA replication and
Transcription.
4.3 The diagram below shows part of a mRNA (messenger RNA) molecule:
pg. 18
(a) How many codons are shown in the diagram? 3ü
(b) Write the complementary base sequence of the DNA strand that
formed codon 1 of the mRNA strand in the above diagram. ATGü
(c) Explain the purpose of a specific sequence of codons in a mRNA
molecule. A codon codes for a specific amino acidü, and this sequence
of codons codes for a proteinü.
WHAT IS GENETIC CODING? The genetic code is the instructions (sequence of the DNA or mRNA
nucleotides) in a gene that tell the cell how to make a specific protein.
Remember: Proteins are very important organic molecules because it does most of the work in
cells and are required for the structure, function, and regulation of the body’s tissues and
organs.
pg. 19
3. the order in which the sets on the tRNA
(called ANTI-CODONS) gets attached to
mRNA, which determines
tRNA
mRNA
pg. 20
3.12 THE EFFECT OF MUTATION ON PROTEIN STRUCTURE (DNA SEQUENCE)
– EXAM TIPS/TECHNIQUES/NOTES
Cell processes that copy genetic material are usually accurate to ensure genetic continuity in both new
cells and offspring but, mistakes/changes (mutation) in the DNA can occur
• the same amino acid may be coded for, • a different amino acid may be coded for,
• which causes no change in the amino acid • which causes a change in the amino acid
sequence in the protein sequence in the protein
• leading to the formation of the same protein • leading to the formation of a different protein
/alternate form of the required protein
CASE SCENARIO 1 CASE SCENARIO 2
The table below shows some mRNA codons and the The table below shows the RNA codons that code
corresponding amino acids. for different amino acids.
A section of mRNA has the following base sequence The DNA base triplets 1, 2 and 3 below is read from
and is read from left to right: left to right:
A mutation occurred which resulted in the following A mutation occurred which resulted in the following
base sequence on the mRNA molecule: base sequence on the DNA molecule:
Question 1: Describe the mutation that occurred. Question 1: Describe the mutation that occurred.
pg. 21
Steps: Compare the original mRNA to the one that Steps: Compare the original DNA base triplets to
has undergone mutation. the one that has undergone mutation
1. Identify the affected codon or nucleotide 1. Identify the affected DNA Base triplet and
2. Describe which nucleotide has been nucleotide
replaced/deleted 2. Describe which nucleotide has been
Answer: C was replaced by U on the 4th codon/AGC replaced/deleted
Answer: In DNA base triplet 2 the first adenine
was replaced by T.
Question 2: Explain the effect that the mutation will Question: Explain how this mutation will affect the
have on the resulting protein. protein that will be formed.
Steps: Use the given table to find out if the new Steps: Use the given table to find out if the new
codon formed after the mutation codes for the same codon formed after the mutation codes for the same
or a different amino acid. or a different amino acid.
1. The affected codon (AGC) in the original RNA
1. Convert the DNA triplet of bases
codes for the Amino acid SERINE
(AAG) to the mRNA codon (UUC) and
2. The codon that has undergone mutation (AGU)
(TAG) to the mRNA codon (AUC)
also codes for the same Amino acid SERINE
before you could read off from the table.
Answer: It codes for the same amino acid/serine 2. The codon (UCC) codes for the amino acid
The amino acid sequence will not change PHENYLALANINE
Therefore there will be no effect/same protein formed 3. The codon (AUC) codes for a different amino acid
ISOLEUCINE
pg. 22
3.13 PRACTICE QUESTIONS on MUTATION AND PROTEIN STRUCTURE
pg. 23
(a) Identify the molecules labelled Y and Z.
Y - tRNAü
Z - mRNAü
(c) Give the name of the group of three bases that are indicated by
number 4 on the diagram. Codon ü
(d) Write down the base codes (from left to right) that would be found at
point 3 on the diagram. GAAü
(e) The table below shows the DNA base triplets that code for the different
amino acids.
1 – threonineü
5 - valineü
pg. 24
4.3 The diagram below illustrates protein synthesis.
(b) Write down the sequence of the FIRST THREE nitrogenous bases
on the DNA strand that led to the formation of Z. AGTü
(c) The table below shows the base triplets of DNA and the amino acid
each code for.
pg. 25
(e) Describe how the composition of the protein molecule changes if
the base sequence at X is UGU instead of UCA.
Serine will be replaced by Cysteineü and may lead to the formation of
a different proteinü
1.1 Various options are provided as possible answers to the following questions.
Choose the correct answer.
1.1.1 The phase in which DNA replication takes place is called ...
A Prophase.
B Interphase.
C Metaphase.
D Anaphase.
1.1.2 The list below provides information relating to the replication of DNA:
A 1, 2, 3 and 4.
B 1, 2, 3 and 2.
C 4, 2, 1 and 3.
D 4, 1, 2 and 3.
pg. 26
1.1.3 The diagram shows the outcomes from four different models of DNA reproduction after one
nuclear division. The parent DNA is shown in black, and the newly synthesized DNA is shown in grey
pg. 27
1.2.2 Where in the cell does this process take place? (1)
1.2.3 Name the phase of the cell cycle where replication takes place. (1)
2.1 Various options are provided as possible answers to the following questions. Choose the
correct answer.
The diagram below showing part of a DNA molecule before and after a mutation.
pg. 28
FS, Sep. 2019, Paper 2
The table below shows the amino acids that correspond with different DNA-triplets.
2.2.1 Write down the correct sequence of amino acids for the three m-RNA
codons from left to right. (2)
2.3 A species of bacteria contains a type of protein, called protein 1. A mutation occurred
which resulted in the formation of a second type of protein called protein 2, instead of protein 1.
Scientists determined the amino acid sequence of each protein. They then used the amino
acid sequence to find the DNA base sequences that coded for portions of these proteins.
PORTION OF PROTEIN 1
AMINO ACID SEQUENCE Lysine Serine Proline Cysteine
DNA BASE SEQUENCE TTT TCA GGT ACG
PORTION OF PROTEIN 2
AMINO ACID SEQUENCE Lysine Serine Proline Tryptophan
DNA BASE SEQUENCE TTT TCA GGT ACC
pg. 29
2.3.1 Give the:
(a) DNA triplet for the third amino acid from the left in the sequence
for protein 2 (1)
(b) Codon for lysine (1)
(c) Anticodon for serine (1)
2.3.3 Describe how the mutation caused a change in the structure of the
protein. (4)
3.1 Detectives were investigating a crime scene and found blood on a broken window.
They suspected that the blood was that of the criminal. To identify the criminal, they analysed a
DNA sample from the blood and compared it to that of four suspects.
pg. 30
3.1.1 Name the technique that was used to identify the criminal. (1)
3.1.4 State ONE other use of the technique identified in QUESTION (a) (1)
4.1.1 Name the part of the protein synthesis indicated by process A. (1)
4.1.2 Identify:
(a) Molecule X (1)
(b) Molecule Y (1)
(c) Organelle Z (1)
4.1.4 Name AND describe process B, which takes place at organelle Z. (3)
4.1.5 Name the type of bond that joins two amino acids together. (1)
4.1.6 The table below shows the triplets of bases on a template of DNA for
some amino acids.
pg. 31
The diagram below shows the base sequence in DNA and mRNA for the first seven amino acids in a
polypeptide of haemoglobin.
(a) A (1)
(b) B (1)
(c) C (1)
(d) D (1)
4.1.7 Explain how a change in a single base of the sixth DNA triplet may lead to
the production of a different protein. (2)
pg. 32
(DBE, Feb/Mar. 2016, Paper 2)
pg. 33
(DBE, Nov. 2019, Paper 2)
4.3 The diagram below shows part of a process involved in the production of a protein.
4.3.1 Identify:
pg. 34
3.15 SOLUTIONS TO DNA PRACTICE QUESTIONS
Question 1
1.2.5 - DNA replication ensures that daughter cells in mitosis will have identical genetic
make up as the parent cellü
- ensures that the number of chromosomes in each daughter cell is the same as the
parent cellü
- ensures that genetic properties are transmitted from one generation to the nextü
Any 1 (1)
1.2.6 - DNA unwindsü from one end to appear as a ladderü
- the weak hydrogen bondsü between the nitrogen bases break
- and the two single strands move apartü
- each nucleotides picks up free nucleotidesü from the nucleoplasm
- and become double againü
- the two new double strands are identicalü to each other and the original
- each double strand now become twisted helical structureü
- the process is controlled by enzymesü Any 5 (5)
pg. 35
1.2.7 - If the incorrect nitrogen baseü attaches to the original strand/if a nitrogen base is added or
deleted
- the sequenceü/order of the bases changes on the new DNA molecule
- resulting in a change in the gene structureü (Any 2) (2)
Question 2
2.2.2 - The mutated codon AUU code for the same amino acid/Isoleucine.ü
- The amino acid sequence will not change ü
- and will therefore code for the same protein.ü (3)
pg. 36
Question 3
Question 4
pg. 37
4.1.4 - In B translation*ü takes place *Compulsory mark
- mRNA attaches to the ribosomeü
- tRNA picks up amino acids ü
- brings it to the codonsü of mRNA
- the anticodonü determines which amino acid will bind to the tRNA
1*+ Any 2 (3)
pg. 38
4.2.4 (a) CCTüü (2)
(b) CCUüü (2)
4. MEIOSIS
TERM 1 PAPER 2
DURATION 8 hours WEIGHTING 21 marks (14%)
(2 weeks)
LINKS TO PRIOR-KNOWLEDGE/BACKGROUND KNOWLEDGE
Mitosis, Chromosomes, DNA replication
RESOURCES
Textbooks, Study Guides, MTG, Past NSC, SC & Provincial Question Papers
pg. 39
4.1 MINDMAP on MEIOSIS
Importance of Meiosis
Meiosis: the
process of
reduction division.
Causes and
consequences of
Where does it occur
abnormal meiosis
in plants and Meiosis & Mitosis
Down Syndrome
humans? differences and
similarities
pg. 40
4.2 LINKS TO PRIOR-KNOWLEDGE/BACKGROUND KNOWLEDGE
The process of mitosis - Mitosis is made up of two major divisions: nuclear division (Karyokinesis)
and cytoplasm division (Cytokinesis).
PHASES DIAGRAM
PROPHASE
• Cell is ready for division.
• Nuclear membrane starts to disintegrate.
• Nucleolus disappears
• Replicated chromosomes become visible
• Spindle fibres are formed from the centrosomes.
• Centrioles move towards the opposite poles. Centrosomes
only found in the animal cell.
METAPHASE
• Nuclear membrane has disintegrated.
• Replicated chromosomes line up on the equator.
• Spindle fibre attaches on the centromere of each replicated
chromosome.
ANAPHASE
• Centromere of each replicated chromosome splits to form two
unreplicated chromosomes.
• Unreplicated chromosomes from each chromosome are
pulled to the opposite poles
TELOPHASE
• Cytokinesis starts by the cell membrane which constricts
at the equator.
• Nuclear membrane and nucleolus appear in each daughter
cell.
• Each daughter cell has the same number of unreplicated
chromosomes as the parent.
NOTE: Before the process of mitosis starts, DNA replication first occur during Interphase. After DNA
replication the chromatin network in the nucleus becomes visible as chromosomes.
pg. 41
The significance of DNA replication for mitosis:
• To double the genetic material
• Each daughter cell receives the same amount of DNA
• To ensure genetically identical daughter cells
NUCLEAR MEMBRANE
The nuclear membrane is the membrane which
surrounds the nucleus, enclosing the genetic material.
CELL MEMBRANE
The cell membrane is the membrane that separates
the interior of all cells from the outside environment
pg. 42
CHROMATIN NETWORK CHROMOSOME CHROMATID
The form in which A chromosome is the condensed form This refers to each of the two
chromosomes are found in the of a chromatin. A threadlike structure threads of a replicated
nucleus of a cell that is not made up of DNA and protein found in chromosome. In other words,
dividing. The chromatin the nucleus of most living cells, carrying a chromosome is composed
network consists of a mass of genetic information in the form of genes of two chromatids.
long, tangled threads of DNA
DNA
Replication
pg. 43
Gamete (sex cell)- cells formed by meiosis in male Somatic cell- Body cells that contain the full set of
testis and female ovaries which contain half the chromosomes, 23 inherited from each parent (46 in
chromosome number. total).
HAPLOID (N) DIPLOID (2N)
Haploid cells only have one set of chromosomes. Diploid cells have two sets of chromosomes, where
Chromosomes in haploid cells have no homologous each chromosome has a homologous partner.
partners.
Karyotype- A diagram that shows the number, size and arrangement of chromosomes within a somatic
cell or sex cell
AUTOSOMES GONOSOMES (SEX CHROMOSOMES)
The first 22 pairs of chromosomes in a human somatic cell The last pair of chromosomes in a human
which control the appearance, structure and functioning of somatic cell (XX or XY) responsible for sex
the body and is not connected with the determination of determination
sex.
pg. 44
HOMOLOGOUS
BIVALENT
CHROMOSOMES
Chromosomes that are The term “bivalent” refers to a pair of homologous chromosomes which lie side by
identical in shape and side just before crossing over. At this stage they function as one unit.
size and which contain Bivalent refers to homologous chromosomes at a particular stage; not all
genes for the same set homologous chromosomes are bivalent. Homologous chromosomes may be
of characteristics. scattered in the nucleoplasm, singly.
After crossing over homologous chromosomes are no longer considered as a
bivalent, but are, nevertheless still homologous chromosomes.
pg. 45
4.4 PROCESS OF MEIOSIS - EXAM TIPS/TECHNIQUES/NOTES
Meiosis topic is linked to Mitosis taught from grade 10. Meiosis can be divided into two parts,
Meiosis I and Meiosis II.
Prophase I
• Nuclear membrane and nucleolus start to disappear.
• Centrosome splits and the two centrioles move apart
forming spindle fibres.
• Chromatin network condenses into individual
chromosomes and pairs of homologous chromosomes
lie next to each other forming a bivalent.
• Inner chromatids from each homologous chromosomes
overlap and touch each other at a point called the
chiasma (plural: chiasmata) in a process called
crossing over
• Chromatid segments break off and are exchanged,
resulting in the exchange of genetic material.
• This process is called crossing over and it brings
about variation.
Metaphase I
• Homologous chromosomes move to the middle of
the cell (the equator).
• The two homologous chromosomes lie on opposite
sides of the equator parallel to each other.
• Which homologous chromosome lies on which side of
the equator is totally up to chance.
• This is called random arrangement and brings about
further variation.
• Each chromosome in the homologous pair becomes
attached to a spindle thread by the centromere.
pg. 46
Anaphase I
• One whole chromosome from each pair is pulled to
opposite poles by contraction of the spindle fibres
• This separates the homologous chromosomes – one to
each pole.
Telophase I
• A new nuclear membrane forms around the group of
chromosomes at each pole.
• Nucleolus returns.
• Cytokinesis (division of cytoplasm) splits the mother
cell into two daughter cells.
• Important: Each daughter cell now has half the
number of chromosomes (i.e., is haploid) and each
has a slightly different genetic make-up due to
crossing over.
The second meiotic division takes place in both daughter cells formed during Meiosis I.
Prophase II
• Nuclear membrane and nucleolus start to
disappear.
• Centrosome splits into two centrioles and a
spindle forms.
• Chromosomes are NOT in pairs
pg. 47
Metaphase II
• Single chromosomes arrange themselves
randomly along the equator with the
centromere in line with the equatorial plane.
• Which chromatid faces which pole is totally up
to chance.
• Each chromosome becomes attached to a
spindle fibre.
Anaphase II
• Centromere splits separating each
chromosome into two daughter
chromosomes, each pulled to opposite
poles.
Telophase II
• A new nuclear membrane forms around the
unreplicated chromosomes at each pole
• Cytokinesis splits the cell into two new cells
pg. 48
The purposes of reduction division (meiosis)
2. In humans
gametes contain the
haploid number of
23 chromosomes.
• Meiosis ensures that the chromosome number in the body cells of an organism remains constant
from the parents to their offspring and from generation to generation.
• Meiosis is a cell division that usually takes place in the sex cells.
• In plants, meiosis occurs in the anther to produce pollen grain and in the ovary to produce the
ovule.
• In humans, meiosis occurs in the testis to produce sperms and in the ovary to produce an ovum.
pg. 49
Differences between Mitosis and Meiosis
There are two types of cell Mitosis is a process whereby Meiosis produces four sex cells
divisions that takes place in one cell makes an identical copy that have half the number of
plants and animals, mitosis of itself and gives rise to two chromosomes of the parent cell,
and meiosis. cells that are genetically and are genetically different from
identical. the parent cell.
There are two types of cells in Mitosis deals with the formation while meiosis deals with the
a plant or animal’s body, body of somatic cells, formation of gametes
cells (somatic cells) and sex (gametogenesis).
cells (gametes).
Maleü
pg. 50
(b) Give ONE reason why the diagram above represents the chromosomes of a human.
Count the chromosome number /pairs in the karyotype
NB different species have different chromosome numbers (This karyotype has 46
chromosomes
23ü chromosomes
46ü chromosomes
What is the expected number of chromosomes in each cell at the end of the
investigation?
No meiosis, chromosomes
A 12 replicated chromosomes will not be halved
B 24 replicated chromosomes ü
C 24 unreplicated chromosomes
D 48 unreplicated chromosomes
pg. 51
2.2 The diagrams below represent various phases of meiosis.
(i) A – prophase I ü
(ii) B- Anaphase I ü
(iii) C – Metaphase II ü
DIAGRAM A DIAGRAM B DIAGRAM C
Know the event that is Shows separation of Single chromosomes are
unique to a particular replicated chromosomes at the equator
phase
Know the difference If it was anaphase II If it was metaphase I,
between meiosis I & II unreplicated chromosomes homologous
would be separating chromosomes would be at
the equator
(b) Draw a labelled diagram to show the cells that will be formed at the
end of meiosis from the cell in diagram C.
pg. 52
CRITERIA FOR MARKING
Only two cells drawn (D) 1 mark
Each cell contains only two unreplicated chromosomes 1 mark
(C)
Each chromosome is the correct size and correctly 1 mark
shaded (S)
Any TWO correct labels 1 mark
B
C
Diagram 1 Diagram 2
pg. 53
2.3.2 Describe the events that took place in the phase before the one
represented in diagram 2.
First identify diagram 2 as telophase II because cell membrane is starting to
invaginate. So, a phase that occurs before this one is anaphase II. Therefore,
describe the events in anaphase II as follows
2.3.3 Name the process that causes the chromosomes to have a combination
of genes as shown in the diagrams.
Crossing overü
2.3.4 Give ONE reason why the process named in QUESTION 2.3.3 is
important.
Leads to genetic variationü
2.3.5 If this was a human cell, how many chromosomes would be present in
the cell during the phase represented in diagram 1
46ü
pg. 54
2.4 The diagram below represents a cell during a phase of meiosis.
Non-disjunctionü
Anaphase Iü
Chromosomal mutation ü
2.4.4 Give the number of chromosomes that will be present in a normal gamete of the
species whose cell is represented above.
Identify the diploid cell which represents the chromosome number for somatic cells of
the parent. Then work out half the number of chromosomes, Note this half number of
chromosomes appears at telophase II and is maintained throughout all the stages of
meiosis II Threeü
pg. 55
2.4.5 Give the chromosome number of the four gametes formed at the end of Meiosis
II.
• Determine the number for a full set of chromosomes (in this case (six
• Identify how many pairs chromosomes have been affected by non-disjunction
(one pair)
• Normal separation will be for four chromosomes – to give two chromosomes on
each daughter cell.
• Because of non-disjunction in the third pair, both chromosomes will go to the
same daughter cell, causing it to have four chromosomes.
• The other one will have two chromosomes. Note this number will
• be maintained in all stages of meiosis II
2.4.6 Describe the chromosome behaviour in the phase before the one represented
in the diagram.
• PMAT- prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase
• Identify whether it is meiosis I or meiosis II
• Identify the stage in the diagram shown- anaphase I
• Work backwards to determine the phase before the one drawn
• Metaphase I.
2.4.7 Explain how the new zygote will be affected if a gamete resulting from the error in
meiosis at A is involved in fertilisation with a normal gamete
• Determine the number of chromosomes in the gamete that was affected by non-
disjunction (1 gamete has four, other one has two)
• Work chromosome number expected in a normal gamete which has not
undergone non-disjunction (three)
pg. 56
Gametes formed
after non- 4 2
disjunction chromosomes chromosomes
(ovum)
Normal sperm 3
cell chromosomes
or
An ovum with 2 unreplicated chromosomesü will be fertilized by a
normal sperm cell with 3 unreplicated chromosome resulting in
a zygote with 5 chromosomes üinstead of 6ü
pg. 57
4.6 TYPICAL EXAM QUESTIONS
1.1.2 How many pairs of chromosomes are found in a normal human sperm cell? (1)
(5)
pg. 58
QUESTION 2 (DBE, May/June 2018, Paper 2)
2.1 Diagrams 1 to 3 below represent some of the phases of meiosis shown in the correct
order.
(a) 1 (1)
(b) 3 (1)
2.1.3 Name the organ in a human male where meiosis occurs. (1)
(6)
pg. 59
QUESTION 3 (DBE, May/June 2018, Paper 1)
(a) A (1)
(b) B (1)
(c) C (1)
3.1.3 State what happens to structure D in the next phase of meiosis. (1)
3.1.4 Name the process during which genetic material was exchanged, as shown in (1)
the diagrams above.
3.1.5 State the consequence if the process named in QUESTION 3.1.4 does not (1)
occur
pg. 60
3.1.6 Give the number of chromosomes present in:
4.1.1 Explain why the gametes represented by diagrams C and D do not have (3)
any chromosomes
4.1.2 If gamete A is involved in fertilisation, describe how this may result in (3)
down syndrome
(a) Identify the phase of meiosis during which crossing over occurs (1)
pg. 61
4.7 SOLUTIONS TO MEIOSIS PRACTICE QUESTIONS
QUESTION 1
1.1.2 23 ü (1)
(b) Cü (1)
(c) Dü (1)
pg. 62
QUESTION 3
QUESTION 4
pg. 63
5. REFERENCES
6. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) gratefully acknowledges the following officials for giving up
their valuable time and families and for contributing their knowledge and expertise to develop this
resource booklet for the children of our country, under very stringent conditions of COVID-19:
Writers: Arnold M. Johannes (Eastern Cape) and Phumzile Dlamini (Eastern Cape)
Reviewers: Mpho Mokgotlhoa, Ntombi Dladla, Julia Tladi, Lucas Mothibedi Mfolo, Gezani Phineas
Chavani, Avusiwe Madikane, Mthembi GB, Chauke Magezi Elias, Jacoline Jones
The development of the Study Guide was managed and coordinated by Ms Cheryl Weston and Dr
Sandy Malapile
pg. 64
pg. 65