Mitosis vs. Meiosis Side by Side Comparison

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, cell division stages, and comparisons between mitosis and meiosis.

Cytokinesis

The process following mitosis or meiosis that splits the cytoplasm to complete the dividing of the cell.

Gametes

Sperm and egg cells produced by meiosis.

Diploid ($2n$)

A cell containing two sets of chromosomes, with one set coming from mom and one set coming from dad.

Interphase

A phase occurring before mitosis or meiosis where the cell duplicates its chromosomes.

Centromere

The region where newly duplicated portions of a chromosome remain attached.

PMAT

An acronym representing the stages of cell division: Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase.

Condensing

The process of chromosomes thickening during prophase so that they become visible.

Homologous Pairs

Chromosomes that are approximately the same size and contain the same types of genes in the same locations, one inherited from mom and one from dad.

Crossing Over

The transfer and exchange of genetic information between homologous chromosome pairs during prophase I.

Recombinant Chromosomes

Chromosomes that result from the exchange of genetic information during crossing over.

Metaphase (Mitosis)

The stage where chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell in a single file line after the nuclear envelope disassembles.

Metaphase I

The stage in meiosis where chromosomes line up in pairs in the middle of the cell.

Anaphase (Mitosis)

The stage where chromatids are pulled away to opposite sides of the cell by the work of spindles.

Anaphase I

The stage in meiosis where chromosomes (rather than chromatids) are pulled away to opposite sides of the cell.

Telophase

The stage where chromosomes reach complete opposite ends and new nuclei begin forming on each side to create two new cells.

Anaphase II

The stage in meiosis II where sister chromatids are pulled away to opposite sides of the cell.

Haploid

Cells having half the number of chromosomes as the original starting cell, such as human gametes with 23 chromosomes.

Zygote

A diploid fertilized egg formed by the combination of a sperm and egg cell that begins dividing by mitosis to develop into a new organism.