Mitosis + Meiosis

Question 1

What is meiosis?

Answer 1

Cell division that produces 4 daughter cells, each with half the number of chromosomes.
- only happens in gamete-producing cells, producing genetically different haploid gametes.

Question 2

What is mitosis?

Answer 2

Cell division that happens in body cells. A body cells is any cell except those that produce gametes (sex cells).
- parent cell divides into 2 genetically identical diploid daughter cells.
- diploid means double (two sets of chromosomes).

Question 3

What are the stages of mitosis and what happens?

Answer 3

Inter=
chromosomes become visible at the end and DNA has already been copied.

Pro=
each chromosome consists of 2 chromatids. The nuclear membrane breaks down.

Meta=
chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell.

Ana=
chromatids separate and one chromatid from each pair is pulled to each pole of the cell. The chromatids are now called chromosomes.

Tele=
spindle fibres disappear and a new nuclear membrane forms round each group of chromosomes during telophase.

Cyto=
the cell splits into two.

Question 4

Why are the daughter cells genetically identical?

Answer 4

Each chromosome is copied; one copy of each chromosome goes into each daughter cell.