What is the difference between mitosis and meiosis?

During my answer to the question I would use the whiteboard to draw out diagrams to explain mitosis and meiosis fully. Mitosis and meiosis are both cell division processes where chromosomes are doubled and cell division occurs. Mitosis is the production of normal cells for either growth or repair. There is just 1 stage of cell division. Mitosis starts with one cell. The chromosomes inside the cell double themselves, making identical copies. The chromosomes then line up along the centre of the cell and then are pulled apart into each side of the cell. The cell then divides into 2 cells each with identical chromosomes. The 2 new cells are called daughter cells from the original parent cell. Meiosis is the production of gamete (sex cells) and has 2 stages of cell division. Meiosis starts the same way as mitosis with one cell and the chromosomes inside doubling themselves. The chromosomes then pair up with similar chromosomes and sections of DNA on the chromosomes is swapped between them. The cell then divides into 2 cells with pairs of chromosomes being divided. Each of those cells then divides further into 2 more cells each, leaving 4 daughter cells, with only 1 chromosome in each. A special way to remember the difference is that mitosis has a T in it which stands for Toes. Toes are involved in growth so therefore mitosis is the growth process and meiosis is the gamete forming process.

Answered by Katharine B. Biology tutor

2433 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Describe how blood vessels help to control body temperature?


What factors contribute to phenotypic variation between organisms?


explain how the body regulates blood sugar concentration


Describe the process and purpose of transcription


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences