Meiosis & Mitosis Compared (College Board AP® Biology)
Study Guide
Written by: Phil
Reviewed by: Lára Marie McIvor
Meiosis & Mitosis Compared
Mitosis and meiosis are both forms of cell division
They have many similarities and differences that are important for their functions
Mitosis contributes to the growth of an organism or to replace dead/dying cells
Meiosis produces genetically different gametes for sexual reproduction
Chromosome Content After Divisions
The chromosome content of a cell changes throughout mitotic and meiotic divisions
Mitosis ends with two daughter cells genetically identical to each other and the parent cell
This is important so that growth and cell replacement can occur within an organism continually
Every cell in an organism's body (other than gametes) contain exactly the same genetic material - the full genome
Meiosis ends with four daughter cells all of which contain half the genetic material of the parent cell and are all different from each other and the parent
This is important for genetic variation within families and the population
Genetic variation can reduce the risk of inheriting genetic diseases
Mitosis & Meiosis Compared Diagram
The chromosome content changes during mitosis and meiosis
Similarities Between Mitosis & Meiosis Table
Similarities between mitosis & meiosis |
Both start from a diploid starting cell |
Both consist of sequential stages of: prophase, metaphase, anaphase and telophase |
In metaphase, chromosomes line up along the cell's equator |
In anaphase, chromosomes separate to the poles of the cell |
Both end with cytokinesis |
Differences Between Mitosis & Meiosis Table
Feature | Mitosis | Meiosis |
Rounds of cell division | One | Two |
Number of daughter cells | Two | Four |
Ploidy of daughter cells | Diploid | Haploid |
Daughter cells are genetically... | ...identical | ...different |
Occurrence | In all organisms | In animals, plants, fungi only |
Cells created | Somatic | Gametes |
Recombination occurs? | No | Yes |
Chromosome assortment | None | Independent |
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