Let’s go step by step to understand what this Venn diagram is showing.
We’re comparing
Mitosis and
Meiosis — two ways cells divide.
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Step 1: Look at the left circle (Mitosis only)
These are things that happen ONLY in mitosis:
- Makes 2 daughter cells
- Daughter cells are exact copies of each other and the parent cell
- Cells have full set of DNA (diploid)
- Cell divides just once
- Has phases: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase (only one round)
- Makes body cells (like skin or muscle cells)
- No crossing over (no swapping of DNA parts)
- Sister chromatids separate during anaphase
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Step 2: Look at the right circle (Meiosis only)
These are things that happen ONLY in meiosis:
- Makes 4 daughter cells
- Each daughter cell is genetically unique (different from each other and parent)
- Cells have half the DNA (haploid) — like sperm or egg cells
- Cell divides TWICE
- Has TWO rounds of phases: Prophase I, Metaphase I, Anaphase I, Telophase I → then Prophase II, Metaphase II, Anaphase II, Telophase II
- Makes sex cells (gametes)
- Crossing over happens in Prophase I (DNA swaps between chromosomes)
- Sister chromatids don’t separate until Anaphase II (they stay together in first division)
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Step 3: Look at the middle (Both Mitosis and Meiosis)
These are things BOTH processes share:
- Start with a diploid parent cell (full set of DNA)
- Make new cells
- Involve cell division
- Use same basic steps: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase (though meiosis does it twice)
- Both involve copying DNA before dividing (DNA replication)
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Final Answer:
This Venn diagram shows how mitosis and meiosis are similar and different.
Mitosis makes 2 identical body cells for growth and repair.
Meiosis makes 4 unique sex cells for reproduction.
Both start with a diploid cell, copy DNA, and use similar phase names — but meiosis has two divisions and includes crossing over.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of mitosis meiosis comparison worksheet.
