D2.1.4 Roles of mitosis and meiosis in eukaryotes

Why is nuclear division necessary before cell division?

To ensure each daughter cell receives a complete set of genetic instructions.

What is mitosis?

Mitosis is a type of cell division in which a single parent cell divides to produce two genetically identical daughter cells.

What happens to chromosomes before mitosis begins?

The cell duplicates its DNA, resulting in two identical sister chromatids for each chromosome.

What happens during Meiosis I?

Homologous chromosomes pair up and separate, reducing the chromosome number by half.

What happens during Meiosis II?

Sister chromatids separate, resulting in four genetically unique haploid cells.

What is the role of mitosis?

Growth, repair, and asexual reproduction.

What is the role of meiosis?

Gamete production and generating genetic diversity.

Why are both mitosis and meiosis important?

Mitosis ensures stability and continuity, while meiosis introduces diversity for adaptation and evolution.

What is the analogy used to compare mitosis and meiosis?

Mitosis is like a photocopier producing identical copies, while meiosis is like a shuffle that creates unique combinations.

How does genetic stability and diversity reflect broader themes in biology?

It relates to homeostasis and evolution, balancing stability within an organism and diversity for adaptation.

What happens if nuclear division does not occur?

One cell would lack a nucleus, becoming anucleate and unable to function.

List three purposes of mitosis.

Growth; Repair; Asexual reproduction.

What is meiosis?

Meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, producing four genetically distinct haploid cells.

What is the final step of mitosis?

Cytokinesis, where the cytoplasm divides, resulting in two identical daughter cells.

How many divisions occur in meiosis?

Two consecutive divisions: Meiosis I and Meiosis II.

Why is meiosis important for sexual reproduction?

It generates genetic diversity through crossing over and independent assortment.

What would happen without meiosis?

Each generation would have twice the chromosomes of the previous one.

What are the key differences between mitosis and meiosis?

Number of Divisions: Mitosis: One vs Meiosis: Two; Number of Daughter Cells: Mitosis: Two vs Meiosis Four; Genetic Composition: Mitosis Identical vs Meiosis Genetically Diverse.

Why is mitosis important for multicellular organisms?

Mitosis ensures that every cell has the same genetic information, maintaining the organism's structure and function.

How long do red blood cells survive and why?

About 120 days, because they cannot produce proteins or repair themselves due to being anucleate.