Mitosis Overview

Study Notes

Mitosis

Mitosis is a form of asexual reproduction where a parent cell divides to create two identical daughter cells.
The result is two genetically identical daughter cells.
The purpose is for repair and growth; in single-celled organisms, it is the only method of reproduction.
The process involves the stages: Interphase, Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase, and Cytokinesis.
Interphase: Daily cell functions, DNA replicates, and condenses.
Prophase: Chromosomes condense, centrioles move to poles, nuclear membrane breaks down.
Metaphase: Chromosomes align at the cell's equator, spindle fibers attach to centromeres.
Anaphase: Chromosomes separate and are pulled to opposite poles, cell elongates.
Telophase: Chromosomes decondense, new nuclear membranes form, cell begins to pinch.
Cytokinesis: Cell completely divides into two new cells.
Plant vs. Animal Cells: Plant cells form a cell plate between daughter cells that develops into new cell walls, while animal cells pinch.
DNA Replication: Copying of DNA.
Somatic Cells: Body cells (e.g., liver, skin, nerve, bone, blood).
Cancer: Uncontrolled cell division.
Homologous Chromosomes: Chromosome pairs with similar size, shape, and genes.
Genes: Sections of DNA code for specific proteins.

Other Asexual Reproduction Methods

Sporulation: Mold and fungi produce spores that develop into new organisms.
Vegetative Propagation: Runners, corms, and bulbs reproduce through mitosis.
Binary Fission: Bacterial reproduction, one cell splits into two.
Budding: New organisms grow from the parent organism (e.g., hydra, sponges).

Meiosis

Meiosis is a form of sexual reproduction, creating gametes (sex cells).
The result is four genetically different haploid sex cells (sperm or egg).
The purpose is to create genetic diversity and produce sex cells.
The process involves interphase, two rounds of division (meiosis I and meiosis II).
Meiosis I: Homologous chromosomes pair up, exchange genetic material (crossing over), then separate.
Meiosis II: Sister chromatids separate, final division, resulting in four haploid cells.

Gametogenesis

Spermatogenesis: Produces four sperm cells at a time.
Oogenesis: Produces one egg cell and three polar bodies.
Fertilization: The joining of sperm and egg to restore the diploid chromosome number.

Description

Explore the process of mitosis, a key biological mechanism involved in asexual reproduction and cellular growth. This quiz covers the stages of mitosis, including Interphase, Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase, and Cytokinesis, as well as differences in mitosis between plant and animal cells.