Mitosis and Meiosis flashcard

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What is mitosis?

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Mitosis is the process of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells, each with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell.

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What are the main phases of mitosis?

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The main phases of mitosis are prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.

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What occurs during prophase?

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During prophase, chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes, the nuclear envelope breaks down, and the mitotic spindle begins to form.

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What happens during metaphase?

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During metaphase, chromosomes align at the cell's equatorial plane, and spindle fibers attach to the centromeres of the chromosomes.

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What is anaphase?

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Anaphase is the stage of mitosis where sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell.

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What occurs during telophase?

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During telophase, the chromosomes de-condense back into chromatin, the nuclear envelope re-forms around each set of chromosomes, and the cell prepares to divide.

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What is cytokinesis?

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Cytokinesis is the process that follows mitosis, where the cytoplasm of a parental cell divides into two daughter cells.

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What is meiosis?

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Meiosis is a specialized form of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in four genetically diverse gametes.

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What are the stages of meiosis?

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Meiosis consists of two rounds of division: Meiosis I and Meiosis II, each with prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.

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What is the significance of crossing over in meiosis?

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Crossing over during prophase I of meiosis increases genetic diversity by exchanging genetic material between homologous chromosomes.