- Mitosis:
- used in tissue repair
- 2 cells produced
- produces genetically identical cells
- somatic cells
- tissue growth
- 1 division
- DNA replication occurs in interphase
- Meiosis:
- increases genetic variation
- crossing over occurs
- 4 cells produced
- gametes
- required prior to sexual fertilization
- spermatogenesis
- asexual reproduction
- Both (Intersection):
- eukaryotic cells
- 2 divisions
- prokaryotic cells (Note: This is incorrect biologically; prokaryotes do not undergo mitosis or meiosis — likely an error in the source material)
- Binary Fission:
- prokaryotic cells
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Prophase I (in Meiosis I):
Homologous chromosomes pair up and exchange segments (crossing over), creating new gene combinations. This does not occur in mitosis, where chromosomes act independently. Crossing over increases genetic diversity.
Metaphase I and Anaphase I (in Meiosis I):
Homologous chromosome pairs line up at the equator (Metaphase I) and are pulled apart to opposite poles (Anaphase I). In mitosis, individual chromosomes line up and sister chromatids separate. This reduction of chromosome number by half is essential for sexual reproduction.
Meiosis II:
Sister chromatids separate, similar to mitosis, but starting with haploid cells. No DNA replication occurs before Meiosis II, unlike before mitosis. The result is four genetically unique haploid gametes.
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Chromosome — both
Chromatid — both
Centromere — both
Chromatin — both
DNA — both
Homologous Chromosome — meiosis
Interphase — both
Prophase — both
Anaphase — both
Metaphase — both
Telophase — both
Diploid — both
Haploid — meiosis
Tetrad — meiosis
2N — both
1N — meiosis
Crossing Over — meiosis
Gamete — meiosis
Somatic Cell — mitosis
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of mitosis versus meiosis worksheet answer key.
