What are the differences between meiosis and mitosis?

What are the differences between meiosis and mitosis?

Mitosis and meiosis are both processes of cell division, but they serve different purposes. Mitosis results in two identical daughter cells, while meiosis produces four genetically diverse gametes. Would you like to know more about the stages of each process?

Yes, please explain the stages of mitosis.

Mitosis consists of several stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. In prophase, the chromosomes condense and the nuclear envelope breaks down. During metaphase, chromosomes align at the cell's equator. Anaphase follows, where sister chromatids are pulled apart, and finally, in telophase, the nuclear envelope re-forms around each set of chromosomes.

What about the stages of meiosis?

Meiosis has two rounds of division: meiosis I and meiosis II. In meiosis I, homologous chromosomes separate, while in meiosis II, sister chromatids separate. Each round has stages similar to mitosis: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. This results in four non-identical gametes.

Why is meiosis important for sexual reproduction?

Meiosis is crucial for sexual reproduction because it reduces the chromosome number by half, ensuring that when gametes fuse during fertilization, the resulting offspring have the correct number of chromosomes. It also increases genetic diversity through recombination and independent assortment.