Comparison of Meiosis and Mitosis
Comparison of Meiosis and Mitosis Animation
Understanding the fundamental differences between mitosis and meiosis is essential in genetics, particularly in studying inheritance patterns, dominance of alleles, and chromosome segregation.
Mitosis vs. Meiosis
| Feature | Mitosis | Meiosis |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Growth, repair, and asexual reproduction | Production of gametes (sperm & egg) |
| Cell Type | Somatic cells | Germ cells |
| Number of Divisions | One | Two |
| Daughter Cells Produced | Two diploid (2n) cells | Four haploid (1n) cells |
| Genetic Composition | Identical to parent cell | Genetically unique |
| Homologous Chromosome Pairing | No | Yes |
| Crossing Over/Recombination | No | Yes (in prophase I) |
| Segregation of Chromosomes | Sister chromatids separate | Homologous chromosomes separate in meiosis I, sister chromatids in meiosis II |
Mitosis : Clonal Cell Division
- Occurs in somatic (body) cells to produce two identical diploid daughter cells.
- DNA replication is followed by a single cell division.
- Essential for growth, tissue repair, and asexual reproduction.
Meiosis : Genetic Variation Through Gamete Formation
- Occurs in germ cells, producing haploid gametes (sperm & egg).
- One round of DNA replication is followed by two rounds of cell division.
- Homologous chromosomes segregate randomly in meiosis I, contributing to genetic diversity.
- Crossing over occurs in prophase I, increasing genetic variation.
Genetic Applications in Research
Geneticists exploit cell division mechanisms to study inheritance patterns. In breeding experiments, they often begin with homozygous strains to maintain genetic consistency across generations.
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