biology 2.1Unit 2.1: Mitosis and Meiosis
Introduction
By the end of this section, you should be able to:
Define a chromosome.
Define DNA as the genetic material.
Define genes.
Describe the structure of chromosomes.
Describe the components of DNA.
Define mitosis and describe its stages.
Define meiosis and describe its stages.
Relate the events of meiosis to the formation of sex cells.
Compare mitosis and meiosis.
Chromosomes, Genes, and DNA
Almost all the cells of your body—except for mature red blood cells—contain a nucleus, which acts as the control center of the cell. The nucleus holds all the information needed to make a new cell and, ultimately, a new individual.
Inside the nucleus are chromosomes, thread-like structures that store genetic information passed from parents to offspring. Chromosomes are made up of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), a molecule that carries the instructions needed to make all the proteins in your body. Many of these proteins are enzymes, which control the production of other chemicals and affect everything about how your body functions.
Each species has a specific number of chromosomes:
Humans have 46 chromosomes (23 pairs).
Tomatoes have 24 chromosomes (12 pairs).
Elephants have 56 chromosomes (28 pairs).
Half of your chromosomes come from your mother, and the other half from your father. These chromosomes are arranged in homologous pairs, meaning they contain matching sets of genes.
A karyotype is a special photograph that arranges chromosomes into their pairs. In humans, 22 pairs of chromosomes are called autosomes, which control most body functions. The 23rd pair is the sex chromosomes, which determine whether you are male or female:
Females have two X chromosomes (XX).
Males have one X and one Y chromosome (XY).
DNA Structure
DNA is a long, twisted molecule shaped like a double helix (a spiraled ladder). Each strand of DNA is made up of smaller molecules called nucleotides, which consist of:
A phosphate group
A sugar (deoxyribose)
A nitrogen base
The four nitrogen bases in DNA are:
Adenine (A) → Always pairs with Thymine (T)
Cytosine (C) → Always pairs with Guanine (G)
Genes are small segments of DNA that carry instructions for making proteins. The sequence of these bases acts like a biological code, directing the cell to create specific proteins.
In 1953, James Watson and Francis Crick, using data from Rosalind Franklin’s X-ray photographs, discovered the double-helix structure of DNA. Their discovery led to a huge increase in genetic research, including the Human Genome Project, which mapped all human genes.
Mitosis (Cell Division for Growth and Repair)
All body cells (somatic cells) divide using mitosis, a type of cell division that creates two identical daughter cells. Mitosis is essential for:
Growth (producing new cells).
Tissue repair (replacing damaged or old cells).
Asexual reproduction (producing offspring with identical DNA).
Stages of Mitosis
Interphase
The cell prepares for division by copying its DNA.
Chromosomes are not visible under a microscope.
Prophase
Chromosomes condense and become visible.
The nuclear membrane breaks down.
Metaphase
Chromosomes line up in the center of the cell.
Spindle fibers attach to each chromosome.
Anaphase
The spindle fibers pull the sister chromatids apart to opposite ends of the cell.
Telophase
A new nuclear membrane forms around each set of chromosomes.
The cell is almost ready to split.
Cytokinesis
The cytoplasm divides, forming two identical daughter cells.
Mitosis is constantly occurring in areas like your skin and bone marrow, where new cells are needed regularly.
Meiosis (Cell Division for Reproduction)
Unlike mitosis, meiosis occurs only in the reproductive organs (testes in males, ovaries in females) and produces gametes (sperm and egg cells). Gametes have half the number of chromosomes (haploid, n=23) so that when fertilization occurs, the new cell has the correct chromosome number (diploid, 2n=46).
Stages of Meiosis
Meiosis consists of two rounds of cell division, resulting in four non-identical cells.
Meiosis I:
Prophase I – Chromosomes pair up and exchange genetic material (crossing over).
Metaphase I – Chromosome pairs line up in the center of the cell.
Anaphase I – Chromosome pairs separate and move to opposite ends of the cell.
Telophase I & Cytokinesis – The cell splits into two haploid daughter cells.
Meiosis II (similar to mitosis):
5. Prophase II – Chromosomes condense again.
6. Metaphase II – Chromosomes line up in the center.
7. Anaphase II – Sister chromatids separate and move to opposite sides.
8. Telophase II & Cytokinesis – Four unique haploid gametes are formed.
Each gamete is genetically different due to crossing over and random chromosome distribution.
Mitosis vs. Meiosis: Key Differences
Importance of Mitosis and Meiosis
Mitosis ensures that cells grow, repair damage, and replace old cells.
Meiosis allows genetic diversity, which is essential for evolution and survival.
Summary
Chromosomes carry genetic information in the form of DNA.
Genes are sections of DNA that code for proteins.
Mitosis produces two identical daughter cells for growth and repair.
Meiosis creates four non-identical sex cells for reproduction.
Mitosis ensures genetic stability, while meiosis introduces genetic diversity
Updated 26d ago
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