Meiosis and Mitosis

What is mitosis?

Mitosis is a process of cell division that results in two identical daughter cells, each with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell.

What is meiosis?

Meiosis is a type of cell division that produces four non-identical daughter cells with half the number of chromosomes, important for sexual reproduction.

What is the end result of mitosis?

The end result of mitosis is two diploid daughter cells.

What is the end result of meiosis?

The end result of meiosis is four haploid gametes.

How many stages are there in mitosis?

Mitosis consists of five stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase, and cytokinesis.

How many stages are there in meiosis?

Meiosis consists of two sequential divisions, meiosis I and meiosis II, each with its own stages.

What happens during prophase of mitosis?

During prophase, the chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes, and the nuclear envelope begins to break down.

What happens during prophase I of meiosis?

During prophase I, homologous chromosomes undergo synapsis and crossing over occurs, exchanging genetic material.

What occurs during metaphase in mitosis?

During metaphase, chromosomes line up along the equatorial plane of the cell.

What occurs during metaphase I of meiosis?

During metaphase I, homologous chromosomes line up at the equator in pairs.

What is the role of spindle fibers in mitosis?

Spindle fibers help separate the chromosomes and pull them to opposite poles during cell division.

What is the role of spindle fibers in meiosis?

Spindle fibers are essential for the movement of chromosomes to ensure correct segregation during both meiotic divisions.

What is cytokinesis?

Cytokinesis is the process that divides the cytoplasm of a parental cell into two daughter cells after mitosis or meiosis.

How does cytokinesis differ in plant and animal cells?

In animal cells, cytokinesis occurs by cleavage furrow formation, while in plant cells, it involves the formation of a cell plate.

What type of cells undergo mitosis?

Mitosis occurs in somatic (body) cells.

What type of cells undergo meiosis?

Meiosis occurs in germ (gamete-producing) cells.

What is the significance of genetic variation in meiosis?

Genetic variation in meiosis is important for evolution and adaptation, achieved through crossing over and independent assortment.

What is the difference in chromosome number between mitosis and meiosis?

Mitosis maintains the chromosome number, while meiosis halves it.

How do mistakes in mitosis lead to cancer?

Mistakes during mitosis can lead to uncontrolled cell division, resulting in tumors or cancer.

What is anaphase in mitosis?

Anaphase is the stage where sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell.

What is anaphase I in meiosis?

In anaphase I, homologous chromosomes are separated and pulled to opposite poles.

What is telophase in mitosis?

Telophase is when the chromosomes reach the poles and start to de-condense, and the nuclear envelope re-forms.

What is telophase II in meiosis?

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

Define genetic recombination.

Genetic recombination is the process by which genetic material is physically mixed during meiosis, producing genetic diversity.

What is independent assortment?

Independent assortment is the random distribution of homologous chromosomes during meiosis, contributing to genetic variation.

In which phase does crossing over occur?

Crossing over occurs during prophase I of meiosis.

What are sister chromatids?

Sister chromatids are identical copies of a chromosome connected at a centromere, formed during DNA replication.

What is the role of meiosis in sexual reproduction?

Meiosis reduces the chromosome number, allowing gametes to fuse during fertilization and restore the diploid number.

How does meiosis contribute to evolution?

Meiosis increases genetic diversity through recombination and independent assortment, which can drive evolutionary changes.

What are gametes?

Gametes are haploid reproductive cells (sperm and eggs) produced by meiosis.

What is the significance of the cell cycle?

The cell cycle regulates cell growth and division, ensuring proper duplication and distribution of genetic material.

How do diploid and haploid cells differ?

Diploid cells have two complete sets of chromosomes, while haploid cells have only one set.

What is apoptosis, and how is it related to cell division?

Apoptosis is programmed cell death, which can regulate cell number and prevent uncontrolled growth during and after cell division.