Random Fertilisation & Genetic Variation (Edexcel IGCSE Biology)

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Random Fertilisation & Genetic Variation

  • Meiosis creates genetic variation between the gametes produced by an individual
  • This means each gamete carries substantially different alleles
  • During fertilisation, any male gamete can fuse with any female gamete to form a zygote
  • This random fusion of gametes at fertilisation creates genetic variation between zygotes as each will have a unique combination of alleles
  • Zygotes eventually grow and develop into adults
  • Examples of genetic variation in humans include:
    • Blood group
    • Eye colour
    • Gender
    • Ability to roll tongue
    • Whether ear lobes are free or fixed

Earlobes, IGCSE & GCSE Biology revision notes

Whether earlobes are attached (lobeless) or free (lobed) is an example of genetic variation

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Lára

Author: Lára

Expertise: Biology Lead

Lára graduated from Oxford University in Biological Sciences and has now been a science tutor working in the UK for several years. Lára has a particular interest in the area of infectious disease and epidemiology, and enjoys creating original educational materials that develop confidence and facilitate learning.