Mitosis vs Meiosis: Cell Division Explained
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Meiosis: A mechanism of sexual reproduction that combines and enriches genetic information from parents to offspring, creating genetic diversity that helps the species adapt to environmental changes.
Chromosome structure: Each chromosome consists of two identical chromatin filaments called sister chromatids, joined by a centromere. Both chromatids contain duplicated genetic information. The centromere divides each chromatid into two regions called arms.
Key Differences Between Mitosis and Meiosis
Meiosis: Daughter cells have half the chromosomes of the original cell and are genetically different. It produces 4 daughter cells through 2 divisions, with crossing over. In anaphase I, homologous chromosomes separate; in anaphase II, sister chromatids separate. Its aim is to produce gametes.
First Meiotic Division
Prophase I: Homologous chromosomes pair up and exchange DNA fragments through crossing over, creating genetic variability.
Metaphase I: Homologous chromosomes align in pairs (bivalents or tetrads) at the cell center.
Anaphase I: Homologous chromosomes move to opposite poles of the cell.
Telophase I: Two haploid cells (n) are formed, each with half the original number of chromosomes.
Second Meiotic Division
Similar to mitosis, but it starts with haploid cells (half the original number of chromosomes).
Prophase II: Chromosomes condense and the spindle apparatus forms.
Metaphase II: Chromosomes align individually at the cell center.
Anaphase II: Sister chromatids separate and move to opposite poles.
Telophase II: Four haploid cells are formed, each genetically different.