Jeff Wheiler 10/31/13 Bio 1610

Discussion Question 3
Mitosis Vs. Meiosis

Mitosis and Meiosis can be generically summed up by the splitting or dividing of somatic and germ cells. They are both extremely complex and much is still unkown about both processes. For example, we have merely observed that these phases in mitosis and meiosis occur, we know little as to how they occur. One theory suggests that the microtubules send a signal to the centrosomes to tell the cell that all chromosomes are aligned with the equatorial plate near the end of the metaphase so that in turn, the cell can continue on with anaphase. Id like to back up my opening statement that said these two processes are similar by actually stating some of their similarities. As mentioned before they both divide and multiply cells. They both have DNA and chromosomes. Both processes use microtubules to sort of push apart the cell and pull apart chromosomes. Both mitosis and meiosis replicate the chromosomes in the S phase and both share the same order of events. Both mitosis and meiosis start with an interphase which is basically the growth of the cell. They both finalize their process by starting to form cleavage furrow and using cytokinesis, which is where the cytoplasm of the cell separates. Both are composed of 23 pairs of chromosomes. Now that we know some of the similarities I have to point out the key differences in both mitosis and meiosis. Mitosis is strictly for the replication, growth, and repair of our bodies somatic cells. Somatic cells are what make up our things like our skin, bones, organs and so on. Meiosis is strictly the division and replication of gametes, or sex cells. Again, the key difference is mitosis and somatic cells, meiosis and sexual reproduction cells. There are other differences like in the anaphase of mitosis the sister chromatids separate and when compared to meiosis anaphase 1 the homologous chromatids

Jeff Wheiler 10/31/13 Bio 1610

separate. Mitosis is the result of 2 identical diploid cells and meiosis has 4 non identical haploid cells. The 4 haploid cells mean there are only 23 of the 46 chromosomes.