What is Mitosis?
Mitosis is the process by cell division by which two identical cells are produced. Before the process occurs, the cell must replicate it DNA so that its information can be passed on to the next generation of cells. This process of mitosis is also refered to as 'asexual reproduction.' Why? Well, in mitosis two identical cells are made from one parent and this is the same as in asexual reproduction.
Mitosis has steps in its process. Each step is crucial to creating a exact replica of that cell. These steps are;
Mitosis has steps in its process. Each step is crucial to creating a exact replica of that cell. These steps are;
Stages of Mitosis
Interphase: DNA is replicated, centrioles divide and proteins are produced
Prophase: the chromosomes pair up and start to form the 'x' shape
Metaphase: the chromosomes line up at the equator
Anaphase: the cell expands and the spindle fibres pull the chromosomes apart so that one strand of the chromotid to polar sides.
Telephase & Cytokenesis: plasma membrance invaginates (pinches in) and it forms two seperate cells
Prophase: the chromosomes pair up and start to form the 'x' shape
Metaphase: the chromosomes line up at the equator
Anaphase: the cell expands and the spindle fibres pull the chromosomes apart so that one strand of the chromotid to polar sides.
Telephase & Cytokenesis: plasma membrance invaginates (pinches in) and it forms two seperate cells
What is Meiosis?
Meiosis is a special type of cell division which produces gamete cells for sexual reproduction. Meiosis is sometimes referred to as the 'reductional division' as it reduces the amount of chromosomes by half. Meiosis undergoes two stages with each of the stages having varied stages within them.
Stages of Meiosis
Interphase: Chromosomes & DNA are replicated,
Prophase 1: Chromotids are formed, spindle fibres start to form off the centrioles, chromosomes search for their homologous pair and their genes are 'crossed over,' spindle fibres move the chromtids into the centre of the cell, nuclear membrance has broken down.
Metaphase 1: alligned at the metaphase plate
Anaphase 1: Spindle fibres pull the chromtids apart
Telephase 1: Nuclear membrane reforms, chromosomes decondense
After this processes is complete, Meiosis then repeats this time with the chromotids splitting leaving the chromosome with half of mums DNA and half of dads DNA.
Prophase 1: Chromotids are formed, spindle fibres start to form off the centrioles, chromosomes search for their homologous pair and their genes are 'crossed over,' spindle fibres move the chromtids into the centre of the cell, nuclear membrance has broken down.
Metaphase 1: alligned at the metaphase plate
Anaphase 1: Spindle fibres pull the chromtids apart
Telephase 1: Nuclear membrane reforms, chromosomes decondense
After this processes is complete, Meiosis then repeats this time with the chromotids splitting leaving the chromosome with half of mums DNA and half of dads DNA.
Differences between Meiosis and Mitosis
Some differences between Mitosis and Meiosis are:
Mitosis
asexual undergone to repair and general growth of body cells all organisms undergo mitosis makes genetically identical cells 1 cell division Makes every other cell except for the sex cells Diploid cells (2n) Two daughter cells are formed |
Meiosis
sexual undergone for sexual reproduction only some organsims undergo Meiosis makes genetically different cells 2 cell divisions Sex cells only (female egg and male sperm) Haploid cells (1n) 4 daughter cells are formed |
Similarities between Meiosis and Mitosis
- Some Similarities between Meiosis and Mitosis are:
- Both have DNA replicating and the nuclear memberane breaks down before both processes occur.
- Both create new cells by the division of old cells
- Shared genetic material from parent cells to daughter cells
Differences between Meiosis and Mitosis
MitosisFunction is for growth, repairing or replacing cells
It occurs all over your body (somatic cells) except your sex cells One cell division Two daughter cells are produced Diploid cells (2n) Genetically identical |
MeiosisFunction is to make gametes (egg and sperm)
It occurs only in your sex cells Two cell divisions Four daughter cells are produced Haploid cells (4n) Not genetically identical |