NAME : GEOJOE GENOTIVA

GRADE AND SECTION : Grade 8- Mendel

Explain the difference of meiosis and mitosis.

Meiosis and mitosis are two processes that are involved in the division of cells, but they
have some fundamental differences.

Mitosis is a type of cell division that results in two identical daughter cells, each with the
same number of chromosomes as the parent cell. Mitosis occurs in all somatic cells,
which are all body cells except for sex cells (sperm and egg cells). Mitosis has several
stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. During prophase, the
chromosomes condense and become visible. During metaphase, the chromosomes
align at the center of the cell. During anaphase, the chromosomes separate and move
towards opposite ends of the cell. Finally, during telophase, the cell divides, and two
identical daughter cells are produced.

Meiosis, on the other hand, is a type of cell division that occurs only in sex cells (sperm
and egg cells) and results in four non-identical daughter cells, each with half the number
of chromosomes as the parent cell. Meiosis also has several stages: prophase I,
metaphase I, anaphase I, telophase I, prophase II, metaphase II, anaphase II, and
telophase II. During prophase I, the homologous chromosomes pair up and exchange
genetic information in a process called crossing-over. During metaphase I, the
homologous chromosomes align at the center of the cell. During anaphase I, the
homologous chromosomes separate and move towards opposite ends of the cell.
Finally, during telophase I, the cell divides, and two daughter cells are produced, each
with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell. The process is then repeated
in meiosis II, resulting in a total of four non-identical daughter cells.

In summary, mitosis results in two identical daughter cells, while meiosis results in four
non-identical daughter cells. Meiosis only occurs in sex cells, while mitosis occurs in all
somatic cells. Meiosis involves two rounds of division, while mitosis involves only one.

How important is Meiosis in the survival of Organisms?

Meiosis is a crucial process for the survival of organisms, as it is the basis for sexual
reproduction. Sexual reproduction is important because it increases genetic diversity
within a population, which can improve the population's ability to adapt to changing
environments and pressures.

During meiosis, homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material through a

process called crossing-over, which results in the creation of new combinations of
genetic traits. This genetic variation is further increased by the random assortment of
chromosomes during meiosis, resulting in the production of genetically diverse gametes
(sex cells) that combine during fertilization to form a new individual with a unique
genetic makeup.

The genetic diversity resulting from meiosis and sexual reproduction can provide
advantages for organisms, such as resistance to diseases, increased adaptation to
changing environments, and the ability to take advantage of new resources.
Additionally, sexual reproduction can help to eliminate harmful mutations from a
population, as the negative effects of mutations can be masked or offset by other
beneficial genes.

In summary, meiosis is essential for the survival of organisms because it is the basis for
sexual reproduction, which increases genetic diversity and can provide advantages for
adaptation and survival in changing environments.