COMPARING MITOSIS AND MEIOSIS:
OBJECTIVE 3 (i): DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE PROCESSES OF MEIOSIS AND MITOSIS IN TERMS OF DAUGHTER CELLS PRODUCED.
Cell division is the process by which a multicellular organism grows, repairs, maintains and reproduces itself.
Most cells have a nucleus which is the controlling centre directing a cells activity. The instructions for these
activities are contained in the chromosomes, which are composed of proteins and DNA. DNA contains the
coded chemical instructions, which direct the growth, differentiation and functioning of a cell.
Mitosis is a type of cell division that results in the production of
daughter cells, which are identical to the original parent cell. It is
referred to as division for growth and repair. Mitosis occurs in all
body cells. The number and type of chromosomes produced are
exactly the same as the original parent cell. The parent cell
duplicates its DNA by duplicating the chromosomes, the
chromosomes then separate to either end of the cell and the cell
eventually divides into two daughter cells.
Meiosis is a type of cell division that forms cells with half the number of chromosomes normally found in cells
of the species. If they did not, on fertilisation, the chromosome number would be doubled in the new
generation. Meiosis is referred to as division for reproduction. Chromosomes can be matched into pairs, which
are similar – homologous chromosomes. Each pair is made up of one chromosome contributed by each parent
and carries information about the same inherited characteristics. During the process of meiosis, the
homologous chromosomes are divided between the separate gametes. In this way, meiosis produces haploid
cells, which show variation. This variation has been produced by the random segregation or assortment of
chromosomes pairs, or by crossing over where the chromosomes get tangled up when they separate.
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OBJECTIVE 3(a): ANALYSE INFORMATION FROM SECONDARY SOURCES TO TABULATE THE DIFFERENCES THAT DISTINGUISH THE
PROCESSES OF MITOSIS AND MEIOSIS.
Use secondary sources to complete the table below tabulating the differences that distinguish the processes of
mitosis and meiosis. (“distinguish “ = differences)
MITOSIS
What is cell division
used for?
Where does this
cell division occur?
How many
divisions complete
the process?
Number of cells
eventually formed
Composition of
daughter cells as
compared to parent
cell
Diploid or Haploid
daughter cells
formed
Cell division occurs
in asexual or
sexual organisms?
Any variation
evident?
Uses
Contribution to
variation and
biodiversity
MEIOSIS
HOMEWORK:
ACTIVITY 1:
Define the following terms so that you understand them. Include labelled diagrams if helpful.
a) mitosis
b) cytokinesis
c) daughter cells
d) meiosis
e) karyotype
f) chromatid
g) gametes
h) diploid
i) haploid
j) chiasma
k) homologous chromosome pairs
ACTIVITY 2:
List and describe the stages of mitosis. Include a labelled diagram
ACTIVITY 3:
Describe why mitosis is called ‘division for growth’ and meiosis is called ‘division for reproduction’.
ACTIVITY 4:
Outline the differences between an X and a Y chromosome.
PROCESSES OF MITOSIS AND MEIOSIS: