Learning objective

Explain how fertilisation restores the full number of chromosomes.

Read the explanation, check the common trap, then practise with flashcards and questions.

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At a glance

Flashcards

Questions

Topic

Reproduction

Subtopic

Meiosis

AQA GCSE BiologyInheritance, variation and evolution

Study support

Understand this objective

Short explanation

Explain how fertilisation restores the full number of chromosomes.. Within Reproduction, this learning objective sits inside Meiosis for AQA Biology 8461. Focus on using ideas such as chromosomes, fertilisation accurately in your explanation. A strong response should define the core idea, describe the relevant biological process, and connect it back to the question wording instead of giving a vague definition. When revising, students should aim to explain the science clearly, include precise biological vocabulary, and show how the process or structure links to the wider topic rather than listing isolated facts.

Key concepts

fertilisationchromosomes

Why it matters

This objective helps connect Meiosis to exam-style questions, flashcards, and revision notes for Reproduction.

Common mistakes

1 linked

Assuming fertilisation adds chromosomes: Explain that each gamete already contains half the chromosome number; fertilisation joins one haploid set from the sperm with one from the egg to restore the diploid number, not add a full set to an existing diploid cell.

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