Biology / Unit 4: Cell Growth and Division
4.5 Comparing Mitosis and Meiosis
Notes
Both processes divide the nucleus, but they have different purposes and results.
- Mitosis: 1 division, 2 identical diploid cells; used for growth, repair and asexual reproduction.
- Meiosis: 2 divisions, 4 different haploid cells; used to make gametes for sexual reproduction.
- Only meiosis has homologous chromosomes pairing up, crossing over, and independent assortment.
- Sexual reproduction creates genetic variation; asexual reproduction creates clones.
Practice
A cut on your arm heals by making new skin cells. Which process makes these cells?
Repair uses mitosis to make identical body cells.
Which describes the products of meiosis?
Two divisions and crossing over give four unique haploid cells.
Why are siblings with the same parents (who are not identical twins) different from each other?
Every sperm and egg carries a different mix of the parents' alleles.
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