What is Meiosis and Mitosis? Difference?
They are two very different processes that have two different functions. Meiosis is required for genetic variation and continuity of all living organisms.
Meiosis
Meiosis is a type of cell division that results in the formation of four daughter cells each with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell.
Mitosis
Mitosis is the type of cell division that results in the formation of two daughter cells each with the same number and kind of chromosomes as the parent cell.
Difference between Mitosis and Meiosis
Difference between Mitosis and Meiosis | |
Mitosis | Meiosis |
Interphase | |
| Each chromosome replicates during the S phase of the interphase. The result is two genetically identical sister chromatids (However, do note that interphase is technically not a part of mitosis because it takes place between one mitotic phase and the next). | Chromosomes not yet visible but DNA has been duplicated or replicated. |
Prophase | |
| Prophase –Each of the duplicated chromosomes appears as two identical or equal sister chromatids. The mitotic spindle begins to form. Chromosomes condense and thicken. | Prophase I – crossing-over and recombination – Homologous chromosomes (each consists of two sister chromatids) appear together as pairs. Tetrad or bivalent is the structure that is formed. Segments of chromosomes are exchanged between non-sister chromatids at crossover points known as chiasmata (crossing-over). |
Metaphase | |
| Metaphase -The chromosomes assemble at the equator at the metaphase plate. | Metaphase I – Chromosomes adjust on the metaphase plate. Chromosomes are still intact and arranged as pairs of homologues (bivalent). |
Anaphase | |
| Anaphase – The spindle fibres begin to contract. This starts to pull the sister chromatids apart. At the end of anaphase, a complete set of daughter chromosomes is found on each pole. | Anaphase I – Sister chromatids stay intact. However, homologous chromosomes drift to the opposite or reverse poles. |
Mode of Reproduction | |
| Asexual Reproduction | Sexual Reproduction |
Occurrence | |
| All the cells | Reproductive cells |
Function | |
| General growth and repair, Cell reproduction | Genetic diversity through sexual reproduction |
Cytokinesis | |
| Occurs in Telophase | Occurs in Telophase I and in Telophase II |
Discovered by | |
| Walther Flemming | Oscar Hertwig |
