CELL DIVISION

MEIOSIS & MITOSIS

The differences between

Meiosis I and Meiosis II
MEIOSIS I

MEIOSIS II

Synapsis occurs

Synapsis does not occurs

Crossover occurs

Crossover does not occur

During metaphase 1, 2
homologous chromosomes are
paired and aligned on the
metaphase plate

During metaphase II,

chromosomes with 2 chromatids
are aligned on the metaphase
plate

Homologous chromosomes
separate and move to
opposite poles

Chromatids separate and move

to opposite poles

2 haploid cells are produced

4 haploid cells are produced

SIMILARITIES BETWEEN
MITOSIS AND MEIOSIS
Both

involve cell division

Both start from diploid cells
Chromosomes duplicate only once
Both involve the separation of
chromatids in anaphase of mitosis and
in anaphase II
Both follow similar phases: prophase,
metaphase, anaphase and telophase

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MITOSIS

AND MEIOSIS
Mitosis

Aspects compared

Meiosis

Produce new cells

Purpose

Produce gametes for

sexual reproduction

Somatic cells

Type of cell

Reproductive cells

Single row of
chromosomes

Alignment of
chromosomes during
metaphase

Double row of
chromosomes

Does not happen

Synapsis

Happen in prophase I
to form tetrads or
bivalent

Does not happen

Chiasmata and crossover

In prophase I

None

Genetic variation

Yes during cross-over

Once

Frequency of
cytokinesis

Twice

Two

No. of cells produced

Four

IMPORTANCE OF CELL
DIVISION
To

ensure continuity of life in earth

Controlled mitosis and meiosis
produced properly functioning cells
Certain agents such as radiation &
chemicals can disturb processes of
mitosis meiosis
Preservatives also can cause changes
in DNA