Why cells divide
What is one of the reasons cells divide?
to remain small
to grow the organism
to repair/replace cells
What are the three stages of thecell cycle?
interphase, mitosis and cytokinesis
What is the main purpose of mitosis?
To produce two identical daughter cells for growth and repair.
What is the primary purpose of meiosis?
To produce gametes (sperm and eggs) for sexual reproduction.
What is the main difference between mitosis and meiosis?
Mitosis results in two identical cells, while meiosis results in four genetically diverse cells.
Name the two types of cell division
mitosis and meiosis
During which phase of the cell cycle does the cell spend most of its life?
List the four stages of mitosis.
Prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
How many rounds of division occur in meiosis?
Two rounds of division.
Which process is involved in asexual reproduction?
Mitosis
What is the term for the process by which a cell's DNA is copies before it divides?
DNA replication
What happens during the G2 phase of interphase?
The cell grows and copies it's organelles
What happens to the chromosomes during metaphase?
Chromosomes line up along the equatorial plane of the cell.
How many chromosomes does a human gamete have after meiosis?
23 chromosomes.
How many chromosomes do daughter cells have after mitosis compared to meiosis?
Daughter cells from mitosis have the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell; meiosis produces cells with half the number.
How does binary fission differ from mitosis?
Binary fission does not include nuclear division because there is no nucleus
What happens during the S phase of interphase?
What is cytokinesis?
The process that divides the cytoplasm of a parent cell into two daughter cells.
What is crossing over, and when does it occur?
The exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during prophase I of meiosis.
What types of cells are produced by mitosis and meiosis?
Mitosis produces somatic cells; meiosis produces gametes
Why is genetic continuity important in cellular reproduction?
It ensures the daughter cells have the same genetic information as the parent cell.
What is the purpose of cyclins in the cell cycle?
They regulate the cell cycle and make sure the cell is prepared to divide.
What is the final product of mitosis?
two identical diploid daughter cells
Describe the difference in genetic variability produced by meiosis compared to mitosis.
Meiosis produces genetically diverse gametes, while mitosis produces identical daughter cells.
Explain how the processes of mitosis and meiosis contribute to genetic diversity.
Mitosis maintains genetic continuity, while meiosis introduces variation through independent assortment and crossing over.