Comparison between Meiosis I and Meiosis II

Meiosis I Meiosis II
Similarities
▪ Both processes consist of 4 stages; prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase
▪ Both processes involve division of nucleus and division of cytoplasm.
Difference
Synapsis occurs No synapsis
Crossing over occurs No crossing over
During metaphase I, paired homologous During metaphase II, each chromosome with sister
chromosomes line up at the equator. chromatids line up at the equator.
During anaphase I, paired homologous During metaphase I, sister chromatids separate and
chromosomes separate and move to opposite poles. move to opposite poles.
At the end of meiosis I, two (2) haploid cells are At the end of meiosis II, four (4) haploid cells are
produced. produced.

Comparison between Mitosis and Meiosis

Mitosis Meiosis
Similarities
▪ Both processes are division of cells.
▪ In both processes, the chromosome replicates only once
Difference
In somatic cells Location In reproductive organs
Once Number of division Twice
Number of daughter
Two diploid daughter cells Four haploid daughter cells
cells
Synapsis of
Does not occur homologous Synapsis occurs during the Prophase 1
chromosomes
Number of
Once Twice
cytokinesis
Does not occur Crossing over Crossing over occur during Prophase 1
Number of
Each daughter cells has the same number Each daughter cell has half the number of
chromosomes in
of chromosomes as the parent cell. chromosomes of parent cell
daughter cells
Daughter cells are genetically identical Genetic composition Daughter cells are genetically non-identical
to the parent cell (2n) of daughter cells to the parent cell and to each other.
Occurs during Interphase before mitosis Occurs once during the Interphase before
DNA replication
begins Meiosis I
Produces gametes, results in genetic
Produces cells for growth, maintenance
Role in the animal variation among the gametes, reduces
and repair of body tissues.
chromosomes number by half.