Comparing mitosis and meiosis
This simplified diagram shows diploid cells with a chromosome complement of four. Two chromosomes
from the father and two from the mother.
5 stages of division
I
I
Mitosis
Meiosis
Division of diploid
somatic (body) cells to
create identical daughter
cells, for growth and
repair.
Division of diploid ‘gamete
mother’ cells to create
haploid gametes. Genetic
variation is introduced.
Interphase
DNA Replicated,
chromosomes
are indistinct
Diploid (2n) Parent Cell
P
Play
Diploid (2n) gamete mother
cell
Prophase (I)
DNA condenses
and is visible as
paired
chromatids.
Chromosomes link up with
their homologous partner.
M
Monopoly Metaphase (I)
Chromosomes
align along the
middle of the
cell.
Nuclear
membrane has
disappeared
and spindle
apparatus
forms.
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Chromosomes line up in their
homologous pairs. Genetic
variation is introduced here
due to independent
assortment and crossing over
(not shown in diagram).
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Comparing mitosis and meiosis
5 stages of division
A
After
Mitosis
Meiosis
Division of diploid
somatic (body) cells to
create identical
daughter cells, for
growth and repair.
Division of diploid ‘gamete
mother’ cells to create
haploid gametes. Genetic
variation is introduced.
Chromatids are
separated
Homologous chromosomes
are separated
2 diploid daughter cells
each with 4
chromosomes.
2 haploid daughter cells each
with 2 chromosomes, but
containing a duplicate copy
of each (chromatids not
separated).
Anaphase (I)
The spindle
pulls the
chromosomes,
separating the
DNA to opposite
poles of the cell
.
T
Tea
Telophase (I)
New nuclear
membranes
form and cell
divides to
create daughter
cells
Prophase II, Metaphase II,
Anaphase II, Telophase II
The 2 haploid daughter cells
divide further, a process called
Meiosis II. The chromatids are
separated creating 4 haploid
gametes.
Independent Assortment of
pairs creates 4 possible
gametes here
Nuclei of the 4 possible gametes
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Comparing mitosis and meiosis
Teaching notes
There are a variety of ways that the resource could be used.
An information sheet used as a source for students to:

answer questions e.g. What are the similarities between mitosis and meiosis? What are
the differences?

make models of the process of cell division using play dough

identify the stages of cell division shown by photos from microscope slides.
The table could be cut up for students to reassemble as a table or as a cell cycle.
Remove the text from the pictures and ask students to describe what they see.
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