PRE- LABS 5

1. Compare the basic differences between mitosis and meiosis.

Mitosis Meiosis

Number of cells created End result: two daughter
cells
Ploidy Creates diploid daughter
cells (46 chromosomes)
Genetics Daughter cells are
genetically identical
End result: four daughter
cells
Creates haploid daughter
cells (23 chromosomes)
Daughter cells are
genetically different

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?
- 32 chromatids; 16 chromosomes; 8 pairs. Each chromosome behaves
individually, and homologous pairs never interact
- 16 chromosomes will be moving to each pole because they've already
replicated.
3. Why are mitosis and meiosis important for organisms?
- Mitosis is important to multicellular organisms because it provides new cells
for growth and for replacement of worn-out cells, such as skin cells. Many
single-celled organisms rely on mitosis as their primary means of asexual
reproduction.
- Meiosis is important because it ensures that all organisms produced via sexual
reproduction contain the correct number of chromosomes. Meiosis also
produces genetic variation by way of the process of recombination.

4. Describe how to use the microscope properly.

1. Move the stage (the flat ledge the slide sits on) down to its lowest position.
2. Place the glass slide onto the stage. Be careful pushing it under the clips that the
cover slide doesn't move or crack.

3. Select the lowest power objective lens.

4. Turn the coarse focus knob slowly until you are able to see the cells.
5. Turn the fine focus knob slowly until the cells are in focus and you can see them
clearly.

6. Repeat steps 1-5 using the higher power magnification to see the cells in more
detail.