Cell Division: Mitosis and Meiosis

Compare mitosis and meiosis and their roles in growth and reproduction.

~19 min Biology

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Cells divide for growth, repair and reproduction.

In this lesson you will:

Describe the stages of mitosis.
Explain how meiosis produces gametes.
Compare mitosis and meiosis.

Mitosis

Mitosis produces two genetically identical diploid cells. It is used for growth and repair. The stages are prophase, metaphase, anaphase and telophase, followed by cytokinesis.

Meiosis

Meiosis produces four genetically different haploid gametes. It halves the chromosome number and creates variation through crossing over and independent assortment.

Why It Matters

Mitosis keeps the body working. Meiosis makes sperm, egg cells and pollen, and variation helps a species survive change.

Human chromosome numbers

Body cell: 46 chromosomes (diploid, 2n).

Gamete: 23 chromosomes (haploid, n).

After fertilisation: 23 + 23 = 46.

Tip Mitosis = "copy" (identical cells). Meiosis = "shuffle" (varied gametes).

Practice

How many chromosomes does a human gamete have?
State two differences between mitosis and meiosis.
Explain why variation is important for survival.

Recap

Mitosis makes identical cells for growth; meiosis makes varied haploid gametes for reproduction.

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Course contents

Cell Biology and Transport

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