Practical 5: CELL DIVISIONS: MITOSIS & MEIOSIS
Name: Vo Minh Hanh
ID: BTBTIU16064
1.Compare the basic differences between mitosis and meiosis.
Mitosis
1. Cell Division 1 2
2. Daughter Cell 2 ( diploid) containing the
Number same number of
chromosomes.
3. Genetic The resulting daughter cells in
Composition mitosis are genetic clones
(they are genetically
identical). No recombination or
crossing over occur.
4. Length of During the first mitotic stage,
Prophase known as
prophase, chromatin
condenses into discrete
chromosomes, the nuclear
envelope breaks down,
and spindle fibers form at
opposite poles of the cell. A
cell spends less time in
prophase of mitosis than a
cell in prophase I of meiosis.
5. Tetrad Formation Tetrad formation does not
occur.
6. Chromosome Sister chromatids (duplicated
Alignment in chromosome comprised of
Metaphase two identical chromosomes
connected at
the centromere region) align
at the metaphase plate (a
plane that is equally distant
from the two cell poles).
7. Chromosome Sister chromatids separate
Separation
Meiosis
4 (haploid) containing one-half the
number of chromosomes as the
original cell.
The resulting daughter cells contain
different combinations of
genes. Genetic recombination
occurs as a result of the random
segregation of homologous
chromosomes into different cells and
by the process of crossing over
(transfer of genes between
homologous chromosomes).
Prophase I consists of five stages and
lasts longer than prophase of mitosis.
The five stages of meiotic prophase I
are leptotene, zygotene, pachytene,
diplotene, and diakinesis. These five
stages do not occur in mitosis.
Genetic recombination and crossing
over take place during prophase I.
In prophase I, pairs of homologous
chromosomes line up closely together
forming what is called a tetrad. A
tetrad consists of four chromatids(two
sets of sister chromatids).
Tetrads (homologous chromosome
pairs) align at the metaphase plate in
metaphase I.
Sister chromatids do not separate in
anaphase I.
2. If an organism has a diploid number of 16 (2n=16), how many chromatids are
visible at the end of mitotic prophase? How many chromosomes are moving to
each pole during anaphase of mitosis?
There are 32 chromatids visible at the end of the mitotic prophase. There are 16 chromosomes
which are moving to each pole during anaphase of mitosis.
3. Why are mitosis and meiosis important for organisms?
Mitosis is the process of the chromosomes dividing

Steps of mitosis

Prophase- chromosomes coil up and become visible

Metaphase- the chromosomes move toward the center
Anaphase- the chromatids are pulled apart
Telophase- a nuclear envelope forms around the chromosomes

It is very essential that cells go through mitosis, so that each new cell contains the same genetic
information.

Meiosis- is a form of cell division that halves the number of chromosomes in the gametes

Meiosis is pretty much the same as mitosis its just that is goes through the process twice

males end up with 4 sperm- process spermatogenesis

females end up with 4 eggs but the other 3 die due to being to small and lacking cytoplasm -
process oogenesis

it is also very essential that meiosis occurs, because reproduction would cease.

4. Describe how to use the microscope properly

1. When moving your microscope, always carry it with both hands .Grasp the arm with one hand
and place the other hand under the base for support.
2.Turn the revolving nosepiece so that the lowest power objective lens is "clicked" into position.
3. Place the microscope slide on the stage and fasten it with the stage clips. You can push
down on the back end of the stage clip to open it.

4. Using the coarse adjustment, lower the objective lens down as far as it will go without
touching the slide! Note: Look at the slide and lens from the side when doing this

5. Look through the eyepiece and adjust the illuminator (or mirror) and diaphragm for the
greatest amount of light.
6. Slowly turn the coarse adjustment so that the objective lens goes up (away from the slide).
Continue until the image comes into focus. Use the fine adjustment, if available, for fine
focusing.

7. Move the microscope slide around so that the image is in the center of the field of view and
readjust the mirror, illuminator or diaphragm for the clearest image.

8. You should be able to change to the next objective lenses with only slight focusing
adjustment. Use the fine adjustment, if available. If you cannot focus on your specimen, repeat
steps 4 through 7 with the higher power objective lens in place. DO NOT ALLOW THE LENS
TO TOUCH THE SLIDE!

9. The proper way to use a monocular microscope is to look through the eyepiece with one eye
and keep the other eye open (this helps avoid eye strain). If you have to close one eye when
looking into the microscope, it's ok. Remember, everything is upside down and backwards.
When you move the slide to the right, the image goes to the left!

10. Do not touch the glass part of the lenses with your fingers. Use only special lens paper to
clean the lenses. (read the page on keeping your microscope clean)

11. When finished, raise the tube, click the low power lens into position and remove the slide.