Question

What are the differences between mitosis and meiosis in human cells? Pay particular attention to the types of cells, number of daughter cells, and chromosome numbers of the daughter cells.

Answer 1

Mitosis Involves one cell division? Results in two daughter cells Results in diploid? daughter cells? (chromosome? number remains the same as parent cell) Daughter cells are genetically identical Occurs in all organisms except viruses Creates all body cells (somatic?) apart from the germ cells? (eggs and sperm) Prophase is much shorter No recombination/crossing over occurs in prophase. In metaphase individual chromosomes (pairs of chromatids) line up along the equator. During anaphase the sister chromatids are separated to opposite poles. Meiosis Involves two successive cell divisions Results in four daughter cells Results in haploid? daughter cells (chromosome number is halved from the parent cell) Daughter cells are genetically different Occurs only in animals, plants and fungi Creates germ cells (eggs and sperm) only Prophase I takes much longer Involves recombination/crossing over of chromosomes in prophase I In metaphase I pairs of chromosomes line up along the equator. During anaphase I the sister chromatids move together to the same pole. During anaphase II the sister chromatids are separated to opposite poles. Similarities Mitosis Diploid parent cell Consists of interphase, prophase, metaphase, anaphase and telophase In metaphase individual chromosomes (pairs of chromatids) line up along the equator. During anaphase the sister chromatids are separated to opposite poles. Ends with cytokinesis. Meiosis Diploid parent cell Consists of interphase, prophase, metaphase, anaphase and telophase (but twice!) In metaphase II individual chromosomes (pairs of chromatids) line up along the equator. During anaphase II the sister chromatids are separated to opposite poles. Ends with cytokinesis.