mitosis / meiosis

Mitosis

Mitosis is a type of cell division that results in two daughter cells each having the same number and kind of chromosomes as the parent nucleus, typical of ordinary tissue growth.

  1. Purpose

  • Cell division for growth and repair.

  1. Process

  • A single cell divides into two identical daughter cells.

  1. Genetic Outcome

  • Produces cells with identical genetic information.

  1. Stages

    • Prophase: Chromosomes become visible.

    • Metaphase: Chromosomes align in the middle of the cell.

    • Anaphase: Chromosomes separate and move to opposite ends of the cell.

    • Telophase: New nuclei form.

Meiosis

Meiosis is a type of cell division that results in four daughter cells each with half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell, as in the production of gametes and plant spores.

  1. Purpose

  • Production of gametes (sex cells).

  1. Process

  • A single cell divides twice to produce four cells.

  1. Genetic Outcome

  • Produces cells with half the genetic information of the parent cell.

  1. Stages

    • Meiosis I:

      • Prophase I: Homologous chromosomes pair up and exchange genetic material (crossing over).

      • Metaphase I: Homologous chromosome pairs align in the middle of the cell.

      • Anaphase I: Homologous chromosomes separate.

      • Telophase I: New nuclei form.

    • Meiosis II:

      • Similar to mitosis, but with half the number of chromosomes.

Key Differences

  1. Mitosis

  • Involves one cell division.

  • Results in two diploid cells.

  • Daughter cells are genetically identical.

  1. Meiosis

  • Involves two cell divisions.

  • Results in four haploid cells.

  • Daughter cells are genetically different.