Every organism goes through a series of cell division in order to survive, and there are two different kinds of cell division: mitosis and meiosis. Although they are all kinds of cell division, they are quite different between the two kinds. So what is mitosis and meiosis?
In mitosis, a cell divides into two completely identical cells, while in meiosis, a cell divides into four genetically different cells. In the first step of both kinds of cell division, the cell copies its DNA and chromosomes. After that, it enters the second stage of the cell cycle, where the duplicated chromosomes condense into an X shape.
Now let’s talk about the difference between mitosis and meiosis. In mitosis, it will only encounter 1 prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase during the process. But in meiosis, it will encounter 2 prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. Plus, the prophase stage in meiosis is slightly different then the prophase in mitosis – genes can switch between the homologous chromosomes in the prophase stage of meiosis. The differences between mitosis and meiosis makes the result of meiosis become 4 genetically different cells.
Sources:
- – Holt Science & Technology – Life Science texbook, chapters 4-3 and 5-3
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- – Bozeman Science: Mitosis and Meiosis Simulation.
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