- The diagram illustrates the processes of mitosis and meiosis, showing how a parent cell divides to produce daughter cells with different genetic compositions.
- In mitosis, the parent cell undergoes one division (G) after chromosome replication (E), resulting in two identical diploid daughter cells, each containing the original set of chromosomes (C, D, C¹, D¹, etc.).
- In meiosis, the parent cell also replicates its chromosomes (E), but then undergoes two successive divisions (G). The first division separates homologous chromosome pairs (F), producing two haploid cells. The second division separates sister chromatids, resulting in four genetically distinct haploid daughter cells.
- The key difference is that mitosis produces two genetically identical diploid cells for growth and repair, while meiosis produces four genetically diverse haploid cells (gametes) for sexual reproduction, ensuring genetic variation through crossing over and independent assortment.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of mitosis meiosis worksheet.
