Meiosis and Mitosis Science Exam

Meiosis and Mitosis Science Exam

Mitosis Stage 1: Prophase

Chromosomes condense and become visible, and the nuclear membrane begins to break down. Spindle fibers start to form.

Mitosis Stage 2: Metaphase

Chromosomes line up single file along the equator (middle) of the cell. Spindle fibers attach to the centromere of each chromosome.

Mitosis Stage 3: Anaphase

Spindle fibers shorten and pull sister chromatids apart to opposite poles (ends) of the cell.

Mitosis Stage 4: Telophase

Two new nuclear membranes form around the separated chromosomes at each pole, and the chromosomes begin to de-condense.

Cytokinesis in Mitosis

The physical division of the cytoplasm, splitting the parent cell into two separate, identical diploid daughter cells.

Meiosis I vs Meiosis II Main Difference

Meiosis I separates homologous chromosome pairs, while Meiosis II separates sister chromatids.

Meiosis Stage 1: Prophase I

Chromosomes condense and homologous chromosomes pair up. Crossing over occurs here, where sections of DNA are swapped to create genetic variation.

Meiosis Stage 2: Metaphase I

Homologous chromosome pairs line up side-by-side (in two rows) along the equator of the cell.

Meiosis Stage 3: Anaphase I

Spindle fibers pull whole homologous chromosomes apart to opposite poles, but sister chromatids remain attached.

Meiosis Stage 4: Telophase I & Cytokinesis I

Two haploid cells form, each containing one chromosome from each homologous pair; the cytoplasm divides.

Meiosis Stage 5: Prophase II

Chromosomes condense again in both new cells, and new spindle fibers form. No crossing over occurs in this round.

Meiosis Stage 6: Metaphase II

Chromosomes line up single file along the equator of both cells, just like in mitosis metaphase.

Meiosis Stage 7: Anaphase II

Spindle fibers shorten and pull the sister chromatids apart to opposite poles of the cells.

Meiosis Stage 8: Telophase II & Cytokinesis II

Nuclear membranes reform around four distinct nuclei, and the cytoplasm divides, resulting in four unique haploid gametes.