What are mitosis and meiosis?
Answer
Mitosis and meiosis are types of cell division that starts with a diploid cell (2n); ends in two daughter cells in mitosis; ends in four daughter cells in meiosis. Both processes begin with the same number of chromosomes 46 total chromosomes; 23 from the mother; 23 from the father. Mitosis undergoes cell division (or prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase) once per cycle. Meiosis underogoes cell division twice per cycle (prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase plus prophase II, metaphase II, anaphase II, and telophase II). Furthermore, mitosis is for cell division of somatic cells (all the cells of the body except reproductive cells). Meiosis is for the cell division of reproductive cells only.
MITOSIS
Prophase starts when the chromosomes become visible as they condense and thicken. Metaphase causes chromosomes to align in the middle of the cell's center forming a single row. In Anaphase, chromosomes split into chromatids that are separated and drawn to the opposite ends of the cell by spindle fibers. Telophase happens when chromosomes reach the opposite sides of the cell forming new nuclear envelopes around the chromosomes. Cytokinesis splits the cytoplasm of the cell into two identical diploid cells (2n).
MEIOSIS
Prophase I starts when chromosome condenses and pair off homologous chromosomes. Metaphase I chromosomes align in the middle of the cell's center maintaining their homologous pairs. In Anaphase I, chromosomes are separated and drawn to the opposite ends of the cell by spindle fibers. Telophase I happens when chromosomes reach the opposite sides of the cell, forming new nuclear envelopes around the chromosomes. Cytokinesis splits the cytoplasm of the cell. Prophase II starts when the chromosomes are condensed in both cells. Metaphase II starts when chromosomes are aligned in the middle of the cell's center forming a single row. Anaphase II starts when chromosomes are separated and drawn to the opposite ends as chromatids by spindle fibers. Telophase II starts when chromosomes reach the opposite sides of the cell forming new nuclear envelopes around the chromosomes. Cytokinesis splits the cytoplasm of the two cells into four non-identical haploid cells (1n) or gametes.