Distinguish between Mitosis and Meiosis







Mitosis and meiosis are fundamental processes of cell division that facilitate the growth, development, and reproduction of organisms. Mitosis is a process of nuclear division that results in the formation of two genetically identical daughter cells from a single parent cell, primarily for growth and tissue repair in multicellular organisms. Meiosis, on the other hand, is a specialized form of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, producing four genetically distinct gametes or spores, essential for sexual reproduction in eukaryotes. Here we discuss the similarities and difference between mitosis and meiosis with a comparison table. You can download the notes as PDF from the download link provided below.

Distinguish between Mitosis and Meiosis

AspectMitosisMeiosis
PurposeGrowth, repair, and asexual reproductionSexual reproduction - production of gametes
Number of DivisionsOne divisionTwo sequential divisions (Meiosis I and Meiosis II)
PhasesProphase, Metaphase, Anaphase, TelophaseMeiosis-I: Prophase I, Metaphase I, Anaphase I, Telophase
Meiosis-II: Prophase II, Metaphase II, Anaphase II, Telophase II
Number of Daughter CellsTwo daughter cells are formedFour daughter cells are formed
Genetic Composition of Daughter CellsGenetically identical to the parent cellGenetically diverse, each with half the chromosome number
Chromosome NumberMaintains the same chromosome number as the parent cell (diploid)Reduces the chromosome number by half (haploid)
OccurrenceOccurs in somatic cellsOccurs in germ cells (gametes)
Homologous Chromosome PairingNo pairing of homologous chromosomes occursHomologous chromosomes pair and undergo synapsis
Crossing OverNo crossing over occursCrossing over occurs during Prophase I, leading to genetic recombination
Centromere DivisionCentromeres divide during anaphaseCentromeres do not divide during Meiosis I but do during Meiosis II
Synapsis of HomologsDoes not occurOccurs during Prophase I

Distinguish between Mitosis and Meiosis

Mitotic Stages in Meristematic Cells

Similarities Between Mitosis and Meiosis

Ø  Basic Process of Division: Both mitosis and meiosis involve the division of a parent cell into daughter cells through stages that include prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.

Ø  Requirement of DNA Replication: Both processes are preceded by a single round of DNA replication during the S phase of the cell cycle.

Ø  Role of Spindle Apparatus: In both processes, the spindle apparatus is crucial for the separation of chromosomes and their movement to opposite poles of the cell.

Ø  Involvement of Cytokinesis: Both processes conclude with cytokinesis, where the cytoplasm divides, resulting in separate daughter cells.

Ø  Phases of Division: Both mitosis and meiosis include similar phases, albeit in meiosis the sequence is repeated with modifications during meiosis I and II.

Summary

Mitosis and meiosis are critical cellular processes with distinct roles in growth, development, and reproduction. Mitosis ensures the maintenance of genetic consistency across somatic cells, facilitating organismal growth and repair. In contrast, meiosis introduces genetic diversity through the production of haploid gametes, essential for sexual reproduction and evolution.

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