Comparing Mitosis and Meiosis

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Comparing Mitosis and Meiosis with reference to i. Chromosomesii.

Biological significance

i. Chromosomes

ii. Biological significance

Modern cell theory states that all cells are derived from other cells.

This means cells must have a way of copying themselves. This is cell

division; two types of cell division are Meiosis and Mitosis. The

comparison will be between Meiosis 1 and Mitosis, because Meiosis 2 is

much the same as Mitosis.

Dividing cells have a regular pattern of events, known as the cell

cycle. This cycle may be divided into two basic parts; The Interphase

and the actual division (Meiosis / Mitosis).

Interphase is when the cell is not dividing but duplicating its DNA

and organelles. Both Meiosis 1 and Mitosis cells undergo a lot of

chemical activity during this stage. The amount of DNA and organelles

are doubled. Interphase is divided into three phases. The first stage

is known as the growth stage, this follows cell division and is when

cell organelles are synthesised. The second stage is known as the

synthesis stage, this is when the DNA replicates. The finally the

third stage is known as the 2nd Growth stage and this is when the

centrioles replicate and energy stores increase.

Prophase

In the Mitosis Prophase the chromosomes become visible. Chromosomes

are long thread like structures between 0.25 mm and 50 mm long. Each

chromosome is made up of two chromatids joined at a point called the

centromere. They are made of 70% protein, 15% DNA and 10% RNA and are

not visible in a non-dividing cell until the onset of cell division.

The chromosomes first become visible as long tangled treads, which

gradually shorten and widen. The centrioles migrate to opposite ends

of poles of the cell. Microtubules develop and form a star-shaped

structure called the spindle. The nucleolus and the nuclear envelope

disappear leaving the chromosomes.

Prophase in Meiosis 1 is similar to prophase in mitosis, as the

chromosomes become visible, shorten and widen but it different because

they associate in their homologous pairs. Organisms consist of two

sets of chromosomes where any two chromosomes, which decide the same

characteristic, are called a homologous pair.

In Meiosis these homologous pairs come together by a process called

synapsis and each pair is called a bivalent. The chromosomes are made

of two chromatids,...

... middle of paper ...

...lly reproducing organism. Therefore Meiosis is important in

order for variety in organisms, and allowing them to evolve.

b. The creation of genetic variety by the random distribution of

chromosomes during metaphase 1

When the pairs of homologous chromosomes arrange themselves on the

equator of the spindle during metaphase 1 of meiosis, they do it

randomly. Even though each one of the pair determines the same general

features, they’re detail of the feature is different. The randomness

of this distribution and independent assortment of these chromosomes

produces new genetic combinations.

c. The creation of genetic variety by crossing over between homologous

chromosomes

During prophase 1 of meiosis, equal portions of homologous chromosomes

may be swapped. In this way new genetic combinations are made and

linked genes separated.

The variety which meiosis brings vital for to the process of

evolution. By providing a varied stock of individuals it allows the

natural selection of those best suited to the existing conditions and

makes sure that species constantly change and adapt when these

conditions change. This is the main biological significance of

meiosis.

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