MITOSIS AND MEIOSIS SUMMARY

INTERPHASE: It is not a stage in mitosis, is a preparation phase. It is the busiest phase of

the cell cycle.
a) Cell grows in size and protein production is high. (G1)
b) Cell copies the chromosomes and form chromatids.(S)
c) Mitochondrion and other organelles for reproduction are manufactured.(G1)
d) Cell prepares for mitosis. (G2)

MITOSIS STAGES

1. Prophase: The nucleus begins to disappear and the nucleolus disintegrate, the
chromosomes appear clearly. Structures are completely absent, centrioles begin to
migrate to opposite ends of the cell. The spindle appears and the chromosomes
begin to line up in the middle of it.
2. Metaphase: In this stage chromosomes become attached to the spindle fibers by
their centromeres. This arrangement is important because it ensures that each new
cell receives an identical and complete set of chromosomes.
3. Anaphase: Separation of chromatids begin and are pulled apart by the shortening
spindle fibers. Cell cleavage begins.
4. Telophase: Final stage that begins as the chromatids reach the opposite poles of
the cell. All organelles and structures begin to appear as the new cells prepare for
their own independent existence. The chromosomes leave the spindle and nucleus
is formed.

MITOSIS IMPORTANCE

Mitosis guarantees genetic continuity, resulting two new cells that carry out the same
cellular processes and functions as the parent. This is the way tissues and organs grow
except for neurons.

MEIOSIS 1 STAGES

1. Prophase 1: As chromosomes line up the cross over or recombination is taking
place to mix the characteristics.
2. Metaphase 1: Centromere attaches to spindle so homologous chromosomes are
lined up side by side.
3. Anaphase 1: Homologous chromosomes separate and move to opposite ends of
the cell.
4. Telophase 1: spindle break down chromosomes and cytoplasm divides to give 2
daughters with double number of chromosomes (diploid).

MEIOSIS 2 STAGES

1. Prophase 2 JUST AS IN MITOSIS EXCEPT FOR REPLICATION
2. Metaphase 2 OF CHROMOSOMES GIVING 4 HAPLOID = GAMETES
3. Anaphase 2
4. Telophase 2

MEIOSIS IMPORTANCE
Cells formed by mitosis are identical to each other and to the parent cell. Recombination or
crossing over during meiosis 1 provides a way to rearrange the genetic information and
give genetic variation to the daughter cells.
The behavior of chromosomes in meiosis provides the physical basis for explaining
Mendels results in genetics.