Phases of meiosis and mitosis

Prophase

The first stage of mitosis and meiosis where chromosomes condense, and the nuclear envelope breaks down.

Metaphase

The stage in mitosis and meiosis where chromosomes align along the equatorial plane of the cell.

Anaphase

The phase in mitosis and meiosis where sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell.

Telophase

The final phase of mitosis and meiosis, where chromosomes de-condense, and the nuclear membrane reforms.

Cytokinesis

The process following mitosis where the cytoplasm divides, resulting in two daughter cells.

Meiosis I

The first division in meiosis, which includes prophase I, metaphase I, anaphase I, and telophase I, leading to haploid cells.

Prophase I

The phase of meiosis where homologous chromosomes pair and exchange segments through crossing over.

Metaphase I

The stage where homologous chromosome pairs align at the cell's equatorial plate in meiosis.

Anaphase I

The phase in meiosis where homologous chromosomes are separated and pulled to opposite poles.

Telophase I

The phase of meiosis where the cell divides into two haploid cells, and nuclear membranes may reform.

What is mitosis?

Mitosis is the process of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells.

What are the phases of mitosis?

The phases of mitosis include prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase, and cytokinesis.

What occurs during prophase?

During prophase, chromosomes condense, the nuclear envelope breaks down, and spindle fibers form.

What happens during metaphase?

In metaphase, chromosomes line up at the cell's equator, attached to spindle fibers at their centromeres.

Describe anaphase in mitosis.

Anaphase involves the separation of sister chromatids, which are pulled towards opposite poles of the cell.

Explain telophase in mitosis.

In telophase, chromosomes de-condense back into chromatin, and the nuclear envelope reforms around each set of chromosomes.

What is cytokinesis?

Cytokinesis is the process of dividing the cytoplasm, resulting in two separate daughter cells.

What is the purpose of meiosis?

Meiosis reduces the chromosome number by half, creating gametes (sperm and eggs) for sexual reproduction.

Name the two main stages of meiosis.

The two main stages of meiosis are meiosis I and meiosis II.

What is the significance of crossing over?

Crossing over during prophase I increases genetic diversity by exchanging genetic material between homologous chromosomes.