Yes you study biology, you may be familiar with cell reproduction. The cell reproduction It is the natural process that the cells of an organism go through, in which they divide, multiply and grow. This is how a child is produced from a sperm and an egg, or how a caterpillar turns into a butterfly.
However, cell reproduction and division goes through different phases, including those of meiosis and mitosis, which are usually a source of problems when it comes to differentiating them. If this is your case, you do not have to worry, in this oneHOWTO article we explain the main differences between meiosis and mitosis.
What is mitosis
Mitosis is the phase that precedes meiosis. Mitosis is cell reproduction itself, which can occur in different types of cells, and not only sexual, as we will see in meiosis. As a result, mitosis produces two genetically identical daughter cells. Next, we explain what the phases of mitosis are.
What are the phases of mitosis
- Interface: In this phase, the DNA is duplicated, thus beginning to form two cells that can be seen under the microscope with a dividing line or membrane between them. This phase is identical in both mitosis and meiosis.
- Prophase: In prophase, the chromosomes begin to cross and distribute in both cells. Later, the chromosomes begin to arrange themselves and go to the center of the cell.
- Metaphase: this is the shortest stage of all. Here the chromosomes are aligned around the entire equator of the cell, which is an imaginary line that crosses the cell in the middle, as on Earth.
- Anaphase: this stage, on the other hand, is the fastest. Here the chromosomes divide and each sister chromatid (that is, the two halves of the same chromosome) travels to the opposite pole of the cell.
- Telophase: Finally, the chromatids reach the opposite poles of the cell and new membranes begin to form around the daughter nuclei.
In many cases a phase called cytokinesis, which is the division of the stem cell’s cytoplasm, thus creating two “daughter” cells.
What is meiosis
The meisios, on the other hand, is the cellular reproduction of diploid cells, that is, cells that contain a double number of chromosomes. Meiosis usually participates in the division of cells of the sexual reproduction.
What are the phases of meiosis
- Interface: in this first cellular phase, DNA is separated in two. This can be clearly seen in the microscope, since when separating a kind of dividing line is seen.
- Prophase: In this second phase, the molecular chromosomes are crossed, thus allowing the dividing cell membrane to separate little by little.
- Anaphase: then anaphase occurs, when both cells, with the same chromosomes, are permanently separated. Both approach the cell body that is being formed, to continue duplicating and growing.
- Telophase: In this last stage, each cell membrane is formed separately in each of the new cells produced. Here each cell already has its own genetic material. Then the complete cells divide again, forming more cells following the same process.
As a result, meiosis produces 4 genetically identical cells.
Similarities between mitosis and meiosis
Now that we know the differences and similarities of mitosis and meiosis, let’s summarize the differences between mitosis and meiosis:
Mitosis / meiosis
- Mitosis: cell division prior to meiosis /Meiosis: cell division after mitosis.
- Mitosis: cell division proper /Meiosis: division of cells in the process of sexual reproduction.
- Mitosis: 2 genetically identical cells divide /Meiosis: 4 genetically identical cells divide.
Now that you know how meiosis and mitosis differ, you may be interested in this other article about What is the difference between serum and blood plasma.
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