Meiosis Under a Microscope (AQA AS Biology): Revision Note
Exam code: 7401
Looking at meiosis under a microscope
Cells undergoing meiosis can be observed and photographed using specialised microscopes
The different stages of meiosis have distinctive characteristics, meaning they can be identified from photomicrographs or diagrams
Meiosis I or meiosis II
Homologous chromosomes pair up side by side in meiosis I only
This means if there are pairs of chromosomes in a diagram or photomicrograph meiosis I must be occurring
The number of cells formed can help distinguish between meiosis I and II
If two new cells are formed, it is meiosis I, but if four new cells are formed, it is meiosis II
During meiosis II, single chromosomes may be observed
Stage of meiosis | What may be observed |
|---|---|
Prophase I | Homologous pairs of chromosomes are visible |
Metaphase I | Homologous pairs are lined up side by side along the equator of spindle |
Anaphase I | Whole chromosomes are being pulled to opposite poles with centromeres intact |
Telophase I | There are two groups of condensed chromosomes around which nuclear membranes are forming |
Prophase II | Single whole chromosomes are visible |
Metaphase II | Single whole chromosomes are lined up along the equator of the spindle in a single file |
Anaphase II | Centromeres divide, and chromatids are pulled to opposite poles |
Telophase II | Nuclei are forming around the 4 groups of condensed chromosomes |
Examples of cells in meiosis
Metaphase I vs metaphase II
Telophase I vs telophase II
Examiner Tips and Tricks
You do not need to know the specific stages of meiosis, but you do need to be able to recognise where meiosis occurs when given information about an unfamiliar life cycle, and you should be given opportunities to examine meiosis in prepared slides of suitable plant or animal tissue.
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