Detailed Difference Between Mitosis and Meiosis
Mitosis and Meiosis are two fundamental processes of cell division, each serving distinct purposes in the life cycle of organisms. Understanding the difference between Mitosis and Meiosis is essential to comprehend their unique roles and outcomes. Mitosis, often referred to as somatic cell division, involves the division of a single cell into two identical daughter cells, ensuring growth, tissue repair, and asexual reproduction. On the other hand, Meiosis is a specialized form of cell division occurring in reproductive cells (germ cells) to produce haploid gametes for sexual reproduction. By comparing the main differences between Mitosis and Meiosis, we can gain insight into their specific mechanisms and consequences.
In terms of the basic process, Mitosis and Meiosis share similarities. Both involve the replication of DNA prior to division, ensuring that each daughter cell receives a complete set of genetic material. They also have common phases, including prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase, which orchestrate the separation and distribution of chromosomes. However, the intricacies of these processes differ significantly.
One of the key distinctions between Mitosis and Meiosis lies in the ploidy level of the resulting cells. Mitosis produces daughter cells that are genetically identical to the parent cell and have the same ploidy level, maintaining the diploid chromosome number. Conversely, Meiosis involves two successive divisions, resulting in four genetically diverse daughter cells with half the ploidy level (haploid) of the parent cell. This reduction in chromosome number is crucial for sexual reproduction and the formation of gametes.
Another significant difference between Mitosis and Meiosis is the occurrence of genetic recombination. While Mitosis does not involve genetic recombination events, Meiosis is characterized by the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during prophase I. This process, known as crossing over, leads to the creation of novel combinations of genetic information, contributing to genetic diversity in offspring.
Furthermore, the behavior of chromosomes during cell division sets Mitosis and Meiosis apart. In Mitosis, individual chromosomes align along the metaphase plate, with sister chromatids separating and moving towards opposite poles during anaphase. In contrast, Meiosis involves the pairing of homologous chromosomes during metaphase I, resulting in their subsequent separation. Later, during anaphase II, sister chromatids separate, leading to the formation of four haploid daughter cells.
Additionally, the end outcomes of Mitosis and Meiosis differ in terms of their biological significance. Mitosis produces genetically identical cells, contributing to growth, tissue repair, and asexual reproduction. In contrast, Meiosis generates genetically diverse gametes that combine during fertilization, ensuring genetic variation in offspring and promoting adaptation and evolution.
To summarize, the difference between Mitosis and Meiosis lies in their distinct purposes and outcomes. Mitosis is a process of somatic cell division, leading to the production of identical daughter cells, while Meiosis is a specialized form of cell division for the production of haploid gametes. By comparing the main differences between Mitosis and Meiosis, such as ploidy level, genetic recombination, behavior of chromosomes, and outcomes, we can appreciate the intricate mechanisms and biological significance of these two fundamental processes.
The table below provides a comprehensive overview of the differences between Mitosis and Meiosis This will also serve the purpose of students of class 8, class 9, class 10 and class 11, willing to know the difference between Mitosis and Meiosis. The way chromosome segregation happens in Mitosis and Meiosis also point key criteria of difference between the two.
Table: Difference Between Mitosis and Meiosis
| Serial Number | Mitosis | Meiosis |
| 1 | Occurs in somatic cells | Occurs in reproductive cells (germ cells) |
| Explanation of the above point of Difference between Mitosis and Meiosis | Mitosis is a type of cell division that occurs in somatic cells, leading to the production of two genetically identical daughter cells. | Meiosis is a specialized form of cell division that occurs in reproductive cells (germ cells) to produce haploid gametes for sexual reproduction. |
| 2 | Results in two daughter cells | Results in four daughter cells (in two successive divisions) |
| Explanation of the above point of Difference between Mitosis and Meiosis | Mitosis results in the formation of two daughter cells, each having the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell. | Meiosis involves two successive divisions (meiosis I and meiosis II) resulting in the formation of four daughter cells, each containing half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell. |
| 3 | No pairing of homologous chromosomes | Homologous chromosomes pair during prophase I |
| Explanation of the above point of Difference between Mitosis and Meiosis | During mitosis, there is no pairing of homologous chromosomes. | In meiosis, homologous chromosomes pair during prophase I in a process called synapsis, allowing for genetic recombination and crossing over. |
| 4 | No crossing over or genetic recombination | Crossing over and genetic recombination occur |
| Explanation of the above point of Difference between Mitosis and Meiosis | Mitosis does not involve crossing over or genetic recombination between homologous chromosomes. | Meiosis involves crossing over, an exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes, leading to genetic diversity among the daughter cells. |
| 5 | One round of DNA replication | One round of DNA replication followed by two divisions |
| Explanation of the above point of Difference between Mitosis and Meiosis | Mitosis involves one round of DNA replication, ensuring that each daughter cell receives a complete set of genetic material. | Meiosis includes one round of DNA replication followed by two divisions (meiosis I and meiosis II), leading to the reduction of chromosome number in the daughter cells. |
| 6 | Daughter cells are genetically identical | Daughter cells are genetically diverse |
| Explanation of the above point of Difference between Mitosis and Meiosis | Mitosis produces daughter cells that are genetically identical to the parent cell and to each other. | Meiosis generates genetically diverse daughter cells due to crossing over, independent assortment of chromosomes, and random segregation during the divisions. |
| 7 | No involvement of synaptonemal complex | Synaptonemal complex forms during prophase I |
| Explanation of the above point of Difference between Mitosis and Meiosis | The synaptonemal complex, a protein structure that facilitates chromosome pairing, is not involved in mitosis. | During meiosis, the synaptonemal complex forms between homologous chromosomes, aiding their alignment and genetic recombination. |
| 8 | One metaphase stage | Two metaphase stages (metaphase I and metaphase II) |
| Explanation of the above point of Difference between Mitosis and Meiosis | Mitosis has a single metaphase stage where the chromosomes align at the equatorial plate. | Meiosis includes two metaphase stages: metaphase I, where homologous pairs align, and metaphase II, where individual chromosomes align. |
| 9 | No formation of chiasmata | Chiasmata form during crossing over |
| Explanation of the above point of Difference between Mitosis and Meiosis | Chiasmata, the sites where homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material, do not form in mitosis. | In meiosis, chiasmata form as a result of crossing over, facilitating genetic exchange between homologous chromosomes. |
| 10 | No separation of homologous chromosomes | Homologous chromosomes separate during anaphase I |
| Explanation of the above point of Difference between Mitosis and Meiosis | Mitosis does not involve the separation of homologous chromosomes. | Meiosis includes the separation of homologous chromosomes during anaphase I, ensuring that each daughter cell receives one member of each homologous pair. |
| 11 | No independent assortment of chromosomes | Independent assortment occurs during metaphase I |
| Explanation of the above point of Difference between Mitosis and Meiosis | Independent assortment of chromosomes does not occur in mitosis. | Meiosis involves the random alignment and independent assortment of homologous chromosomes at the metaphase I plate, contributing to genetic variation. |
| 12 | No production of gametes | Production of haploid gametes |
| Explanation of the above point of Difference between Mitosis and Meiosis | Mitosis does not produce gametes. | Meiosis specifically produces haploid gametes (sperm or egg cells) that contain half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell, allowing for sexual reproduction. |
| 13 | No involvement of tetrads | Tetrads (bivalents) form during prophase I |
| Explanation of the above point of Difference between Mitosis and Meiosis | Tetrads, also known as bivalents, do not form in mitosis. | In meiosis, tetrads form during prophase I as pairs of homologous chromosomes come together, allowing for crossing over and genetic recombination. |
| 14 | No reduction in chromosome number | Reduction in chromosome number by half |
| Explanation of the above point of Difference between Mitosis and Meiosis | Mitosis does not involve a reduction in chromosome number. | Meiosis results in a reduction in chromosome number by half, leading to the formation of haploid cells. |
| 15 | No involvement of spindle fibers | Spindle fibers play a crucial role in chromosome movement |
| Explanation of the above point of Difference between Mitosis and Meiosis | Mitosis does not require the formation of spindle fibers for chromosome movement. | Meiosis involves the formation of spindle fibers, which attach to chromosomes and facilitate their segregation during cell division. |
| 16 | No involvement of centromere | Centromeres play a role in chromosome separation |
| Explanation of the above point of Difference between Mitosis and Meiosis | Centromeres are not directly involved in mitosis. | In meiosis, centromeres play a crucial role in the separation of sister chromatids during both anaphase I and anaphase II. |
| 17 | No interkinesis phase | Interkinesis phase separates meiosis I and meiosis II |
| Explanation of the above point of Difference between Mitosis and Meiosis | Mitosis does not include an interkinesis phase. | Meiosis includes an interkinesis phase, a brief resting period between meiosis I and meiosis II, where no DNA replication occurs. |
| 18 | Daughter cells have the same ploidy level | Daughter cells have half the ploidy level |
| Explanation of the above point of Difference between Mitosis and Meiosis | Mitosis produces daughter cells with the same ploidy level as the parent cell. | Meiosis results in daughter cells with half the ploidy level of the parent cell due to the reduction in chromosome number. |
| 19 | No genetic diversity among daughter cells | Daughter cells have unique combinations of genetic material |
| Explanation of the above point of Difference between Mitosis and Meiosis | Mitosis does not generate genetic diversity among daughter cells. | Meiosis creates daughter cells with unique combinations of genetic material due to crossing over, independent assortment, and random segregation. |
| 20 | No involvement of gametogenesis | Gametogenesis involves meiosis for the production of gametes |
| Explanation of the above point of Difference between Mitosis and Meiosis | Mitosis does not play a role in gametogenesis. | Meiosis is a critical process in gametogenesis, where it ensures the formation of haploid gametes for sexual reproduction. |
| 21 | No formation of synapsis | Formation of synapsis during prophase I |
| Explanation of the above point of Difference between Mitosis and Meiosis | Synapsis, the pairing of homologous chromosomes, does not occur in mitosis. | Meiosis involves the formation of synapsis during prophase I, where homologous chromosomes pair up, facilitating genetic recombination. |
| 22 | No genetic variation | Genetic variation is introduced through several mechanisms |
| Explanation of the above point of Difference between Mitosis and Meiosis | Mitosis does not introduce significant genetic variation. | Meiosis introduces genetic variation through several mechanisms, including crossing over, independent assortment, and random fertilization. |
| 23 | No involvement of haploid and diploid cells | Involvement of haploid and diploid cells in different phases |
| Explanation of the above point of Difference between Mitosis and Meiosis | Mitosis does not specifically involve the distinction between haploid and diploid cells. | Meiosis involves haploid cells (gametes) in meiosis I and diploid cells (zygotes) in meiosis II, as part of sexual reproduction. |
| 24 | No involvement of homologous recombination | Homologous recombination occurs during prophase I |
| Explanation of the above point of Difference between Mitosis and Meiosis | Homologous recombination is not a significant part of mitosis. | Meiosis involves homologous recombination, where genetic material is exchanged between homologous chromosomes, promoting genetic diversity. |
| 25 | No involvement of synaptonemal complex disassembly | Disassembly of synaptonemal complex occurs during metaphase I |
| Explanation of the above point of Difference between Mitosis and Meiosis | The synaptonemal complex does not exist in mitosis, so its disassembly is not relevant. | In meiosis, the synaptonemal complex disassembles during metaphase I, allowing for the alignment and segregation of homologous chromosomes. |
| 26 | No pairing of homologous chromatids | Homologous chromatids pair during metaphase I |
| Explanation of the above point of Difference between Mitosis and Meiosis | Mitosis does not involve the pairing of homologous chromatids. | In meiosis, homologous chromatids pair up during metaphase I, ensuring their proper alignment and segregation. |
| 27 | No involvement of non-disjunction | Non-disjunction can occur, leading to chromosomal abnormalities |
| Explanation of the above point of Difference between Mitosis and Meiosis | Non-disjunction events, which can result in chromosomal abnormalities, are not a characteristic of mitosis. | Meiosis is prone to non-disjunction, where the failure of proper chromosome separation can lead to abnormal numbers of chromosomes in the resulting cells. |
| 28 | No formation of bivalents or tetrads | Formation of bivalents or tetrads during prophase I |
| Explanation of the above point of Difference between Mitosis and Meiosis | Bivalents or tetrads do not form in mitosis. | Meiosis involves the formation of bivalents or tetrads during prophase I, where homologous chromosomes align and exchange genetic material. |
| 29 | No involvement of independent assortment | Independent assortment occurs during metaphase I |
| Explanation of the above point of Difference between Mitosis and Meiosis | Mitosis does not involve the independent assortment of chromosomes. | Meiosis includes the process of independent assortment, where homologous pairs line up randomly at the metaphase I plate, contributing to genetic diversity in the resulting daughter cells. |
| 30 | No involvement of recombination | Recombination occurs during prophase I |
| Explanation of the above point of Difference between Mitosis and Meiosis | Recombination events do not occur in mitosis. | Meiosis involves recombination events during prophase I, where genetic material is exchanged between homologous chromosomes, promoting genetic diversity and variation. |
Similarities Between Mitosis and Meiosis
- Both Mitosis and Meiosis are types of cell division.
- Both processes involve the replication of DNA before the division.
- Both Mitosis and Meiosis involve the division of the nucleus.
- Both processes occur in eukaryotic cells.
- Both Mitosis and Meiosis have a similar set of phases: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
- Both processes involve the separation of sister chromatids during the division.
- Both Mitosis and Meiosis play crucial roles in the growth and development of organisms.
- Both processes involve the formation of a spindle apparatus to facilitate chromosome movement.
- Both Mitosis and Meiosis ensure the accurate distribution of genetic material to daughter cells.
- Both processes involve the breakdown of the nuclear envelope during cell division.
- Both Mitosis and Meiosis play a role in repairing damaged tissues and organs.
- Both processes contribute to the maintenance of chromosome number across generations.
- Both Mitosis and Meiosis can occur in multicellular organisms.
- Both processes involve the segregation of chromosomes during cell division.
- Both Mitosis and Meiosis are important for the transmission of genetic information from parent cells to daughter cells.
These similarities highlight the fundamental aspects of cell division shared by Mitosis and Meiosis, while also emphasizing their unique characteristics and purposes.
Figure: Schematic representation of the stages of Mitosis (Image Source: Original: Jpablo cad and juliana osoriotranslation: MattDerivative work: M3.dahl, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons)
Figure: Schematic representation of the stages of Meiosis
(Image Source: Ali Zifan, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons)
References:
Sato, M., Kakui, Y. and Toya, M., 2021. Tell the difference between mitosis and meiosis: interplay between chromosomes, cytoskeleton, and cell cycle regulation. Frontiers in cell and developmental biology, 9, p.660322.
Hauf, S. and Watanabe, Y., 2004. Kinetochore orientation in mitosis and meiosis. Cell, 119(3), pp.317-327.
Mickle, J.E., 1990. A model for teaching mitosis & meiosis. The American Biology Teacher, 52(8), pp.500-503.
Petronczki, M., Siomos, M.F. and Nasmyth, K., 2003. Un menage a quatre: the molecular biology of chromosome segregation in meiosis. Cell, 112(4), pp.423-440.
Duro, E. and Marston, A.L., 2015. From equator to pole: splitting chromosomes in mitosis and meiosis. Genes & development, 29(2), pp.109-122.
Franklin, A.E. and Cande, W.Z., 1999. Nuclear organization and chromosome segregation. The Plant Cell, 11(4), pp.523-534.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/10/Mitosis_schematic_diagram-en.svg
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/74/Meiosis_Stages.svg
