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Mitosis is a type of asexual cell division that produces two genetically identical daughter cells. It occurs in somatic (body) cells for growth, repair, and maintenance (Science Facts, n.d.).

STEPS OF MITOSIS:

1. Interphase – DNA replicates, preparing for division.

2. Prophase – Chromosomes condense, nuclear membrane dissolves, spindle fibers form.

3. Metaphase – Chromosomes align in the middle of the cell.

4. Anaphase – Sister chromatids separate and move toward opposite poles.

5. Telophase – Nuclear membranes reform, chromosomes de-condense.

6. Cytokinesis – The cytoplasm divides, forming two identical diploid (2n) cells (Biology Dictionary, n.d.).

CHARACTERISTICS:

Produces 2 genetically identical daughter cells

Each cell has the same number of chromosomes as the parent (diploid, 2n)

Occurs in somatic (body) cells

Essential for growth, repair, and maintenance

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Meiosis is a type of sexual cell division that produces four genetically unique daughter cells. It occurs in gametes (sperm and egg cells) for sexual reproduction (Biology Dictionary, n.d.).

Steps of Meiosis:

Meiosis I – Reduction Division (2n → n):

1. Prophase I – Homologous chromosomes pair up and exchange DNA (crossing over) (BYJU’S, n.d.).

2. Metaphase I – Chromosome pairs line up randomly in the center of the cell (independent assortment) (Biology Dictionary, n.d.).

3. Anaphase I – Homologous chromosomes separate.

4. Telophase I & Cytokinesis – Two haploid (n) cells form.

Meiosis II – Similar to Mitosis (n → n):

5. Prophase II – Chromosomes condense again.

6. Metaphase II – Chromosomes align in the middle.

7. Anaphase II – Sister chromatids separate to opposite sides.

8. Telophase II & Cytokinesis – Four haploid (n) cells form.

Characteristics:

Produces 4 genetically unique daughter cells

Each cell has half the chromosomes (haploid, n)

Occurs in gametes (sperm & egg cells)

Increases genetic diversity through crossing over and independent assortment

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How Meiosis Generates Variation & Explains Mendel’s Law

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How Meiosis Generates Variation & Explains Mendel’s Law

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1. Genetic Variation in Meiosis

• Crossing Over (Prophase I) – Homologous chromosomes swap genetic material, creating new allele combinations (BYJU’S, n.d.).

• Independent Assortment (Metaphase I) – Chromosomes align randomly, leading to unique gametes (Biology Dictionary, n.d.).

• Random Fertilization – Any sperm can fertilize any egg, further increasing diversity.

2. Mendel’s Law of Independent Assortment

Mendel’s law states that genes for different traits assort independently during gamete formation. This happens because of the random alignment of homologous chromosomes in Metaphase I, ensuring that each gamete is unique (Biology Dictionary, n.d.).