Mitosis and meiosis

• What is mitosis?

  Mitosis is a type of cell division that produces two identical daughter cells from a single parent cell.
• Why is mitosis important for multicellular organisms?


  It is crucial for growth, development, and repair of tissues.
• In which type of cells does mitosis occur?

  Mitosis occurs in somatic cells.
• What is maintained in daughter cells after mitosis?


  The same chromosome number as the parent cell is maintained in daughter cells.
• What type of cells are produced by mitosis?

  Mitosis results in genetically identical cells.
• What are the two main phases of the cell cycle?


  The two main phases of the cell cycle are interphase and mitotic phase.
• What are the stages of interphase in the cell cycle?


  1. Cell growth
  2. DNA replication
  3. Preparation for mitosis
• What occurs during interphase?

  DNA replication occurs during the S phase.
• What is the mitotic phase composed of?


  The mitotic phase consists of mitosis and cytokinesis.
• What happens during prophase of mitosis?


  During prophase, chromosomes condense, the nuclear envelope breaks down, and spindle fibers form.
• What is the key event in metaphase of mitosis?


  Chromosomes align at the cell's equator during metaphase.
• What occurs during anaphase of mitosis?


  Sister chromatids separate and move to opposite poles of the cell during anaphase.
• What happens during telophase of mitosis?


  During telophase, chromosomes decondense, the nuclear envelope reforms, and cytokinesis begins.
• What are the roles of mitosis in living organisms?


  • Growth: Increases size by producing more cells
  • Tissue repair: Replaces damaged or worn-out cells
  • Asexual reproduction: Allows reproduction without a mate
  • Genetic stability: Maintains chromosome number and genetic information
  • Cell replacement: Produces new cells to replace short-lived cells
• What function of mitosis is responsible for healing a cut on the skin?


  The tissue repair function of mitosis is responsible for healing a cut.
• What are the key differences between mitosis and meiosis?


  • Purpose: Mitosis for growth/repair; meiosis for sexual reproduction
  • Number of divisions: Mitosis one; meiosis two
  • Daughter cells: Mitosis two; meiosis four
  • Chromosome number: Mitosis same as parent (diploid); meiosis half of parent (haploid)
  • Genetic variation: Mitosis identical; meiosis different due to crossing over
  • Cell type: Mitosis somatic cells; meiosis gametes
• If a cell with 10 chromosomes undergoes division and produces daughter cells with 5 chromosomes each, what type of division occurred?


  This indicates meiosis occurred, as the daughter cells have half the number of chromosomes.
• What is the chromosome number in daughter cells produced by mitosis?


  The chromosome number in daughter cells produced by mitosis is the same as the parent cell.