Differentiate between Meiosis and Mitosis.
Answer
The starting cell in mitosis and meiosis is diploid (2n). That means there are two sets of chromosomes. In humans, that means one set from mom (23 chromosomes) and one set from dad (23 chromosomes), which equals 46 chromosomes. During interphase, the cell duplicate those chromosomes. Interphase is not a part of mitosis nor meiosis. Both mitosis and meiosis go through the stages --PMAT.
Prophase in mitosis: pro means before; the chromosomes are visible that means they are condensing or they are thickening. Prophase I in meiosis: chromosomes are condensing too, but the chromosomes will match up their homologous pairs. Homologous means that the chromosomes are approximately the same size and they have the same types of genes in the same location. One came from mom and one from dad. Chromosomes can cross over in Prophase I. The nuclear membrane (or envelope) is already broken down by the end of Prophase I.
Metaphase in mitosis. The chromosomes are lined up along the middle. Metaphase I in meiosis, the chromosomes still line up along the midline, but they will be in pairs.
Anaphase in mitosis. The chromatids are pulled away by work of the spindles. Anaphase I in meiosis is the same thing except, the spindles pull the chromosomes (pair of chromatids) away from the center to opposite sides of the cell.
Telophase in mitosis and meiosis: the chromosomes are completely on opposite ends. New nuclei are on each side of the cell to make two completely new cells.
Cytokinesis starts by dividing and splitting the cytoplasm into two. At the end of mitosis and cytokinesis, we end up with two identical or diploid cells.
Meiosis II
Prophase II chromosomes are condensing in both cells. It is not as eventful as prophase I because we will not have homologous pairs and crossing over.
Metaphase II this time the chromosomes are in a single file line in the middle.
Anaphase II the chromatids are getting pulled away to opposite poles.
Telophase II chromatids are on opposite ends, and new nuclei will form four new cells.
Cytokinesis follows Meiosis II to completely split the cytoplasm. We are now through with Meiosis II, and we end with four non-identical gametes. Males make sperm cells, and egg cells are made by females.
Resulting cells are 23 n. When they join a male sperm and a female egg, a 46n, fertilized egg become known as a zygote.