Mitosis is the process by which a cell replicates its chromosomes and then segregates them, producing two identical nuclei in preparation for cell division (NIH,2023).

Key Points of Mitosis:

Mitosis has only one division and it follows these steps:

-Prophase has chromosomes that will become visible as they become liquid and the nuclear envelope will break down.

-Metaphase chromosomes will line up perfectly on the center of the cell.

-Anaphase is the sister chromatids that are pulled apart and move to opposite sides

-Telophase are the chromosomes that reach the poles and the nuclear envelope reforms around each set of chromosomes that will make the cell begin to divide into two daughter cells.

Key Differences from Meiosis:

Mitosis will produce two identical diploid cells, while meiosis creates four unique haploid cells.

There is no crossing over an independent assortment in mitosis.

Mitosis also keeps the chromosomes number the same (Gilchrist,2023)

Reference:

-Gilchrist, D. A. (2023). Mitosis. National Human Genome Research Institute. https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Mitosis

-Gilchrist, D. A. (2023). Mitosis. National Human Genome Research Institute. https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Mitosis

Meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the number of chromosomes in half, producing gametes(sperm and egg cells) with a single set of chromosomes.

Key steps of Meiosis:

Meiosis happens in two main phases known as Meiosis I and Meiosis II

Meiosis I

Prophase I: Homologous chromosomes pair up and definitely exchange segments of DNA through a process called crossing-over.

Metaphase I: The pairs then arrange themselves randomly in the center of the cell.

Anaphase I: The Homologous chromosomes are pulled apart to opposite sides of the cell.

Telophase I and Cytokinesis: This can be resulted into two haploid cells, each with half the original number of chromosomes (Your Genome, 2024)

Meiosis II (Will be similar to how Mitosis works)

Prophase II: Chromosomes will become liquid.

Metaphase II: Chromosomes lines up at the center of each cell.

Anaphase II: The sister chromatids are separated.

Telophase II: Lastly the four genetically unique haploid gametes will be formed (Your Genome, 2024)

Key Difference from Mitosis:

Meiosis produces four genetically unique haploid cells meanwhile Mitosis while produce two identical diploid cells.

Meiosis will reduce the chromosome number by half, changing diploid to haploid (Gilchrist, 2020).

How Meiosis Generates Genetic Variation:

Crossing Over: During this process, homologous chromosomes swap segments of DNA that will result in new combinations of genes.

Independent Assortment: The homologous pairs will line up randomly, it will lead to different combinations of chromosomes from each parent being passed to the gametes (7.2 Meiosis - Concepts of Biology l OpenStax, n.d.).

Mendel's Law of Independent Assortment: Mendel's law has explained that genes for different traits has been distributed independently of each other when gametes are being formed. This will take place while the process of Metaphase I is in action which leads to various genetic combination in off spring, which enhances genetic diversity (7.2 Meiosis - Concepts of Biology l OpenStax, n.d.).

Reference

Fowler, S., Roush, R., & Wise, J. (2013, April 25). Concepts of Biology. Openstax.org. https://openstax.org/details/books/concepts-biology

Your Genome. (2024). What Is meiosis? https://www.yourgenome.org/theme/what-is-meiosis/

Gilchrist, D. (2020). Meiosis. National Human Genome Research Institute. Https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Meiosis