Mitosis and Meiosis (copy)

Mitosis

A process of cell division in somatic cells that replicates DNA once and divides once to produce two identical daughter cells.

Meiosis

A type of cell division that occurs in gametes (sex cells), replicates DNA once, and divides twice, resulting in haploid cells.

Diploid

A cell that contains two complete sets of chromosomes, one from each parent.

Haploid

A cell that contains half the number of chromosomes, typically one from each homologous pair.

Crossing Over

A stage in Meiosis that occurs in Prophase 1, where homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material, leading to new combinations of alleles.

Meiosis 1

The first division in Meiosis where homologous pairs separate, and sister chromatids remain connected.

Meiosis 2

The second division in Meiosis where sister chromatids separate, resulting in haploid daughter cells.

Interphase

The phase in the cell cycle where the cell prepares for division, including the replication of DNA during the S phase.

Homologous pairs

Pairs of chromosomes consisting of one chromosome from each parent that are similar in shape and size and carry the same genes.

Alleles

Different versions of a gene that may produce variations in a trait.