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IGCSEBiology
Trial Class

Original practice · 5 questions · 14 marks · about 16 minutes

Mitosis and Meiosis Practice Questions

Biology editorial review is supported by the named review panel. Reviewer participation may vary by guide. Checked against Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 (2026–2028); last reviewed August 2026.

Use matched comparisons and the exact terms “genetically identical”, “genetically different”, “diploid” and “haploid” where the question requires them.

Before you open the answers

  • Attempt every question without notes.
  • Show working for calculations and write complete biological statements.
  • Use the suggested time as a guide, not a strict limit on the first attempt.

These are original practice questions. They do not reproduce an official Cambridge paper or official mark scheme.

  1. Question 1

    Paper 4 Extended 3 marks Difficulty 1/5

    State three uses of mitosis.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Growth.
    2. Repair or replacement of damaged or worn cells.
    3. Asexual reproduction or cloning.

    Watch for: Naming gamete production, which requires meiosis.

  2. Question 2

    Paper 4 Extended 4 marks Difficulty 2/5

    Compare the products of mitosis and meiosis.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Mitosis maintains chromosome number; meiosis halves it.
    2. Mitosis produces genetically identical cells; meiosis produces genetically different cells.
    3. Mitosis products are used for growth, repair or asexual reproduction.
    4. Meiosis produces gametes for sexual reproduction.

    Watch for: Writing separate descriptions without matched differences.

  3. Question 3

    Paper 4 Extended 3 marks Difficulty 3/5

    Explain why meiosis must halve the chromosome number.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Meiosis produces haploid gametes.
    2. At fertilisation, two gamete nuclei fuse.
    3. The diploid chromosome number is restored rather than doubling each generation.

    Watch for: Saying fertilisation halves chromosome number.

  4. Question 4

    Paper 4 Extended 2 marks Difficulty 2/5

    Explain how meiosis contributes to variation.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. It produces gametes that are genetically different.
    2. Different allele combinations can therefore enter offspring after fertilisation.

    Watch for: Saying meiosis produces identical gametes.

  5. Question 5

    Paper 2 Extended 2 marks Difficulty 2/5

    A body cell has 24 chromosomes. State the chromosome number in a cell produced by mitosis and in a gamete produced by meiosis.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Mitosis product: 24 chromosomes.
    2. Gamete after meiosis: 12 chromosomes.

    Watch for: Halving the chromosome number for mitosis as well.

Mark the set consistently

Award a point only when the idea is clearly present in the written answer. Correct any missed point in a complete sentence, then test the same skill on a different question several days later.

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