HEREDITARY AND VARIATION

Chapter 3 Form 4 Tolkien

Mitosis
A type of cell division in which a cell divides into two identical daughter cells which has the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell. Carried out by somatic cells (body cells) of animals and occurs at roots and tips and shoots tips of plants. Importance: To replace dead and old cells. Increase number of cells for growth Reproduction process for certain microorganisms

a) b) c)

Meiosis
A type of cell division that produces four daughter cells that has half the number (haploid)of chromosomes found in the parent cell (diploid). The division involves two division; Meiosis I and Meiosis II. Importance: Formation of gametes for sexual reproduction Maintains the number of chromosomes in an organism Gives rise to variation ² crossing over

a) b) c)

Similarities of mitosis and meiosis

Involve the division of nucleus and cytoplasm Involve replication of chromosomes Ensure survival of living organisms and passing down of genetic materials from one generation to another.

Differences between mitosis and meiosis

In somatic cells, at the root Where it occurs and shoot tips once two Same as the parental cell Same number as the parental cell No crossing-over No variation In reproductive cells in ovary, testis and anther Number of times a nucleus twice divide in each cell cycle Number of daughter cells produced Genetic contents of daughter cells Number of chromosomes Crossing-over Variation four Different from the parental cell Half the number of that of the parental cell Takes place in meiosis I Results in variation