Who this is for: Cambridge IGCSE Biology (0610) students who want meiosis — reduction division and gamete formation — to become reliable marks instead of a blur with mitosis.
What query it owns: how to understand and revise meiosis in Cambridge IGCSE Biology.
Why this is safe: this page owns the meiosis revision-guide angle, while Tutopiya’s Meiosis subtopic page owns the learning resource and the free Meiosis quiz owns the practice.

Meiosis is a type of nuclear division that produces four genetically different haploid cells from one diploid parent cell. Cambridge IGCSE Biology (0610) tests whether you can define it precisely, explain why it is called reduction division, and distinguish it from mitosis. This guide covers the syllabus definitions, the role of meiosis in sexual reproduction, and the question types that appear every year.

Key takeaways

• Meiosis produces four haploid cells from one diploid cell — chromosome number is halved (reduction division).
• It occurs in reproductive organs to form gametes (sperm and egg).
• Genetic variation arises through crossing over and independent assortment of chromosomes.
• Unlike mitosis, meiosis involves two divisions (meiosis I and meiosis II).
• Exam answers must state purpose (gamete formation), outcome (haploid cells) and variation.

What is meiosis in Cambridge IGCSE Biology?

Meiosis is a reduction division in which a diploid cell divides twice to produce four haploid cells, each with half the chromosome number of the parent. In humans, meiosis in the ovaries and testes produces egg and sperm cells with 23 chromosomes each. When gametes fuse at fertilisation, the diploid number (46) is restored. Genetic variation is introduced because chromosomes pair up, may exchange segments (crossing over), and assort independently into daughter cells.

You can read the full explanation, diagrams and notes on Tutopiya’s Meiosis subtopic page before you attempt questions.

The core ideas you must master

Idea	What it means	How the exam uses it
Reduction division	Chromosome number halved	”Explain why meiosis is called reduction division”
Haploid	Half the diploid chromosome number	”State the chromosome number of gametes”
Gametes	Sex cells (sperm, egg)	“State where meiosis occurs”
Genetic variation	Offspring differ from parents	”Explain how meiosis increases variation”
Two divisions	Meiosis I and II	”Compare meiosis and mitosis”

Meiosis vs mitosis — comparison table

Feature	Meiosis	Mitosis
Purpose	Produce gametes	Growth, repair, asexual reproduction
Divisions	Two	One
Daughter cells	Four	Two
Chromosome number	Haploid (halved)	Diploid (unchanged)
Genetic identity	Genetically different	Genetically identical
Where	Reproductive organs	Most body cells

Meiosis in past-paper wording: command words that matter

Command word / phrase	What the question wants	Typical meiosis stem
Define	Precise syllabus definition	”Define meiosis.”
State	Short factual answer	”State the number of cells produced by meiosis.”
Explain	Cause and effect	”Explain how meiosis produces genetic variation.”
Describe	What happens, step by step	”Describe the outcome of meiosis.”
Compare	Similarities and differences	”Compare meiosis and mitosis.”

Worked exam-style stems (how to answer the wording)

1. “Define the term meiosis.” Meiosis is a type of nuclear division that reduces the chromosome number by half, producing four haploid cells from one diploid cell. Mark-scheme reward: reduction, haploid, four cells.
2. “Explain why meiosis is important in sexual reproduction.” Meiosis produces haploid gametes; fertilisation restores the diploid number; crossing over and independent assortment create genetic variation in offspring. Reward: gametes + variation mechanisms.
3. “Compare meiosis and mitosis.” Meiosis: two divisions, four haploid, genetically different cells for gametes. Mitosis: one division, two diploid, genetically identical cells for growth. Reward: purpose, divisions, chromosome number, genetic identity.

When you can recognise the wording instantly, work the full set on the Inheritance topical past paper questions and the Meiosis quiz to lock the definitions in.

How meiosis connects to the rest of the syllabus

Meiosis sits alongside Mitosis (identical diploid cells) and Monohybrid Inheritance (how alleles are passed on). It links to Sexual Reproduction and Chromosomes, Genes and Proteins. The Cambridge IGCSE Biology resource hub links every Inheritance subtopic.

Common mistakes students make

• Describing mitosis when the question asks about gamete formation.
• Saying meiosis produces two cells (it produces four haploid cells).
• Omitting genetic variation in explain questions.
• Confusing haploid (half) with diploid (full set).
• Stating meiosis occurs in all body cells (it occurs in reproductive organs).

When you need more support

If meiosis questions keep costing marks — especially compare questions with mitosis — work through the Inheritance topical past paper questions and the Meiosis quiz, then get focused help from a Cambridge IGCSE Biology tutor.

Frequently asked questions

Is meiosis hard in Cambridge IGCSE Biology? The idea is straightforward, but marks are lost when students blur meiosis with mitosis or omit haploid and genetic variation in answers.

What is the difference between meiosis and mitosis? Meiosis halves chromosome number to produce four genetically different gametes; mitosis produces two genetically identical diploid cells for growth and repair.

Why is meiosis called reduction division? Because the chromosome number is reduced by half — a diploid cell becomes haploid gametes.

How do I revise meiosis effectively? Read the subtopic notes, compare with mitosis in a table, practise definitions from memory, then take the Meiosis quiz.

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