Question 1

What is the difference between mitosis and meiosis?

Accepted Answer

Mitosis produces two diploid daughter cells which are genetically identical, while meiosis produces four haploid daughter cells that are genetically different. Only mitosis occurs asexually and therefore occurs in somatic (body) cells, while meiosis happens in germ (sex) cells.

Question 2

Which process must occur before mitosis and meiosis can occur?

Accepted Answer

A cell must prepare for division by undergoing the process of interphase. During interphase, cells grow and make a copy of their DNA. The three steps of interphase are the G1 phase, S phase, and G2 phase.

Question 3

What's evaluated at the G2 checkpoint in mitosis and meosis?

Accepted Answer

The G2 checkpoint confirms that the cell's DNA has been fully copied or synthesized correctly and that there are no mistakes or damage within that DNA.

Question 4

Why do some species employ both mitosis and meiosis?

Accepted Answer

Many organisms require both processes of cell replication because meiosis only produces germ (sex) cells, while mitosis allows an organism to grow/develop and replace damaged cells.

Question 5

Where does mitosis and meiosis occur?

Accepted Answer

Mitosis occurs in somatic (body) cells, while meiosis happens in germ (sex) cells.

Question 6

How many daughter cells are produced in mitosis and meiosis?

Accepted Answer

Mitosis produces two diploid daughter cells which are genetically identical, while meiosis produces four haploid daughter cells that are genetically different.

Cellular Division: Mitosis and Meiosis