International University, Vietnam National University HCM

GENETICS LABORATORY

INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY HCMC

SCHOOL OF BIOTECHNOLOGY

GENETICS LABORATORY

REPORT 1:
MITOSIS - MEIOSIS

Instructor: Ms. Tống Thị Hằng

Group 1
List of group members:

No. Full name Student ID Contribution Score

1 Nguyễn Võ Minh Ngọc BTBCIU21082 25%

2 Lâm Vân Nghi BTBCIU21079 25%

3 Nguyễn Lâm Bảo Ngọc BTBTIU22260 25%

4 Bùi Lê Vinh BTBTWE20003 25%

Total score: __________/100

DATE OF SUBMISSION: 28/10/2023

SECTION: WEDNESDAY MORNING

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GENETICS LABORATORY

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

CHAPTER I: MITOSIS …………………………………………………… 2

1. INTRODUCTION
2. MATERIALS AND METHODS
2.1. Materials
2.2. Methods
3. RESULTS

CHAPTER II: MEIOSIS ……………………………………………………5

1. INTRODUCTION
2. MATERIALS AND METHODS
2.1. Materials
2.2. Methods
3. RESULTS

CHAPTER III: DISCUSSION ……………………………………………….9

REFERENCES ………………………………………………………………..9

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GENETICS LABORATORY

CHAPTER I: MITOSIS

1. INTRODUCTION

One of the cell division procedures wherein one cell - mother cell separates generating two new
cells- daughter cells that have genetic makeup is called mitosis. Additionally, the division of the
cell nucleus’ DNA into two equal sets of chromosomes is accomplished during the mitotic
process. Four distinct phases of mitosis include: prophase, metaphase, anaphase and telophase. In
prophase, the spindle microtubules develop and connect to the chromosomes when the
chromosome condenses. At the end of prophase, the nuclear membrane disintegrates and the
nucleolus vanishes. Continuing with metaphase, along the cell’s equator, the chromosomes are
arranged in the middle of s single plane. In anaphase, each chromosome’s chromatids divide into
aV- shape and migrate to the cells opposite poles. The ultimate of phases, telophase, the
chromosomes attaining roles is an indication that telophase has begun. In this phase, the
chromosomes loosen up, the spindle mechanism is disassembled, the nucleoli resurface, and the
nuclear envelope is re-synthesized around both groups of chromosomes. Cytokinesis divides the
two nuclei into distinct cells.

2. MATERIALS AND METHODS

2.1. Materials:
- Equipment: microscope, microscope slides, coverslips, forceps, watch glasses,
alcohol lamp, sand and scissors were needed for this laboratory.
- Chemicals: this experiment required onion roots for taking the samples; 2M
HCl, distilled water, 70% ethanol, aceto-orcein stain, carnoy’s solution as
solvent.
2.2. Methods:
- Step 1: Use forceps to fold some onion roots into a watch glass. Then, cut at the tip
of the root a length of 0.5mm.
- Step 2: Add some drops of distilled water into the watch glass, and transfer some
onion roots by forceps onto it. Wash the roots with distilled water 3 times to
remove ethanol.
- Step3: Drain the roots and add some drops of 2M HCl, then gently warm the watch
glass on an alcohol lamp for about 5 to 10 seconds and leave the root tips for 15
minutes to soften them. After that, wash the roots 2 times with distilled water.
- Step 4: Transfer the roots onto the watch glass containing aceto-orcein stain. Then
burn the watch glass on a flame for a few seconds. Then, put the lid on the tips of
the roots so it does not evaporate and wait for 15 minutes. After 10 minutes, we put
out the lid to burn the watch glass, and wait for the remaining 5 minutes.

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- Step 5: Add 1 drop of water in the middle of the slide. Then, transfer one stained
onion root into the water drop.
- Step 6: Cover with a coverslip. Keep bubbles from forming under the coverslip.
- Step 7: Use the handle of the dissecting needle to Gently apply pressure over the
cover glass. This should squash the root tip into a thin cell layer.
- Step 8: Observe the specimen under the microscope (4x, 10x, 40x objective) to
examine cells with various mitotic phases. Then, record the result.

3. RESULT

NO. PHASE FIGURE EXPLANATION

1 Interphase Interphase in mitosis presents

as a bustling and dynamic
stage where the cell engages in
metabolic processes, DNA
replication, and growth. The
nucleus is prominent, and
chromatin structures reflect the
cell's preparation for the
forthcoming mitotic division.

2 Prophase In prophase, distinct

chromosomes become visible
as they condense and coil,
accompanied by the emergence
of spindle fibers from the
centrosome's nuclear envelope
and the disappearance of the
nucleolus. The presence of
dark red spots signifies the
initial condensation of
chromosomes.

3 Metaphase Moving on to metaphase,

chromosomes align themselves
in a single plane with the fully
developed mitotic spindle, and
centrosomes positioned at
opposite cell poles.
Chromosomes are neatly

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GENETICS LABORATORY

arranged along the metaphase

plate, and each sister
chromatid attaches to a spindle
fiber originating from the
opposite poles.

4 Anaphase Anaphase marks the separation

of chromatids within each
chromosome, with these
chromatids forming V-linked
structures, and their
centromeres pointing toward
their respective poles.

5 Telophase Telophase: Two nuclei are

visible, the cell splits.
- The chromosomes begin to
decondense.
- The spindle breaks down, and
the nuclear membranes and
nucleoli reform.

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CHAPTER II: MEIOSIS

1. INTRODUCTION
The process of a cell multiplying twice to generate four cells possessing half of the
original genetic information is referred to as meiosis. In humans, meiosis is mainly
performed to generate gametes, characterized by eggs and sperms containing half the
parent cell’s genome. Nine distinct phases of meiosis are separated into two processes
including: Meiosis I, the initial division of the cell, and Meiosis II, the subsequent division
of the cell.
Meiosis I:
Prophase I: Homologous chromosomes couple to create bivalents, which subsequently
duplicate to produce tetrads which may cross over; the centrioles split and migrate to
opposite poles of the cell; and the chromosomes condense and become more obvious.
Afterwards, the nuclear membrane collapses.
Metaphase I: The centromeres of the tetrads connect to spindle fibers and line up in the
cell’s middle plane.
Anaphase I: The chromatids in pairs proceed along the spindle to their individual
centrioles during the early stage when the tetrads split apart. The spindle poles become
almost reached by the chromatids on as well. Membrane of cells starts to tighten.
Telophase I: The divided chromatids are enclosed by nuclear membranes. The
constriction of the cell membrane is complete.
Interkinesis: Two cells have been identified, and both have the same number as the parent
cells.
Meiosis II:
Prophase II: Instead of duplicating, homologous chromatids only split apart.
Metaphase II: At each cell’s midplane, chromatids align. Located at the poles are asters
and centrioles. Developing spindles.
Anaphase II: The chromatids, which are now divided, proceed toward their distinctive
poles. The cell membrane starts to tighten.
Telophase II: Four cells, each containing half the quantity of chromosomes as the parent
cell, are encased in nuclear membranes.
Cytokinesis: The cytoplasm is separated.

2. MATERIALS AND METHODS

2.1. Materials:
- Equipment: microscope, microscope slides, coverslips, forceps, watch glasses, alcohol
lamp, dissecting needle were needed for this laboratory.
- Chemicals: this experiment required Garlic chive flower for taking the samples; 2M HCl,
distilled water, 70% ethanol, aceto-orcein stain, glycerol, and carnoy's solution as solvent.

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GENETICS LABORATORY

2.2. Methods:
- Step 1: Use forceps to fold some garlic chive flowers into a watch glass. Using forceps and
dissecting needle cuts in the middle of flowers. Then take the white petals. Each petal will
contain some anthers. Gently remove the anthers and leave a corner of the watch glasses.
- Step 2: Wash the anthers with distilled water and use a pipette to take out the water, do it 3
times. Be careful not to pour the tiny anthers down.
- Step 3: Add a few drops of 2M HCl to the anthers. Then burn the watch glass for a few
seconds. After that, we put the lid on, so it doesn’t evaporate and wait 15 minutes.
- Step 4: After 15 minutes, wash the anthers with distilled water 3 times. Then use a pipette
to take out the water.
- Step 5: Add 2-3 drops of aceto-orcein into the watch glass. Then burn the watch glass on a
flame for 2 minutes. After two minutes of heating, we put the lid on, so it doesn’t evaporate
and wait 30 seconds then heat again. Do it 3 times. After that, we put the lid on, so it
doesn’ evaporate and wait 30 minutes.
- Step 6: Prepare microscope slides and coverslips. Add 1 drop of glycerol in the middle of
the slide. After 30 minutes, transfer one anther into the glycerol drop.
- Step 7: Cover with a coverslip. Then gently press it and crush it. Be careful, don't let it
break too much.
- Step 8: Observe the sample in a microscope (4X,10X, 40X,100X).

3. RESULT

NO. PHASE FIGURE EXPLANATION

1 Prophase I Prophase I:
chromosomes become
distinctly visible as they
pair up and undergo
synapsis, a unique process
in meiosis. These paired
chromosomes are known
as bivalents, and the
appearance of chiasmata
resulting from genetic
recombination becomes
evident. => Numerous
dark red spots become
apparent, signifying the
onset of chromosome
condensation.

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2 Metaphase I Metaphase 1: Alignment

at the cell's center
During metaphase I,
chromosomes further
condense and become
distinguishable as they
align at the center of the
dividing cell, forming a
metaphase plate at the
cell's midpoint. => A
conspicuous line
becomes visible within
the cell.

3 Anaphase I Anaphase 1:
Anaphase I commences
with the separation of
homologous
chromosomes. The
nuclear envelope
reassembles, and nucleoli
reemerge. Chromosomes
coil up, the nuclear
membrane begins to
disintegrate, and
centrosomes move apart.
Spindle fibers form, and
sister chromatids align
along the cell's equator.

4 Telophase I X During telophase 1, the nuclear

membranes reform, nucleoli
reappear, and chromosomes
unwind to chromatids. In this
phase, the chromosomes have
already been pulled to the poles
and started to decondense.
=> We can see two bold dots at

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the opposite poles.

5 Interkinesis Interkinesis, observed under a

microscope during meiosis,
represents a non-dividing phase
between Meiosis I and Meiosis
II, characterized by chromosomes
in a less condensed state and
cellular preparation for the
second round of division.

6 Prophase II Prophase 2: Chromosomes

condense, and a fresh set of
spindle fibers materializes. They
begin migrating towards the cell's
equator.

7 Metaphase II In metaphase II, chromosomes

individually align along the
metaphase plate. During
anaphase II, sister chromatids
separate and move towards
opposite cell poles. In telophase
II, nuclear envelopes envelope
each set of chromosomes, leading
to decondensation.

8 Anaphase II In anaphase II, chromosomes

divide at the centromeres, similar
to mitosis, with resulting
chromosomes, each bearing a
single chromatid, moving
towards opposing cell poles.

9 Telophase II X During telophase II, nuclear

membranes encircle each set of
chromosomes, leading to their
decondensation. Each cell
reaches telophase 2, displaying
two prominent dots at opposite
poles.

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10 Tetrad X tetrads appear as pairs of closely

aligned, condensed structures.
They represent the physical
connection between homologous
chromosomes, facilitating a
crucial process called genetic
recombination or crossing-over.

CHAPTER III: DISCUSSION

Similar between mitosis and meiosis:

- Begin with a single parent cell
- Produce new cells

Differences between mitosis and meiosis:

Mitosis Meiosis

Place Somatic cells Germ cells

Nucleus divides Once Twice

Daughter cells Diploid Haploid

Number of 2 4
daughter cells

Product Normal cells Eggs and sperms

Phase Prophase, metaphase, anaphase, Prophase I/II, metaphase I/II,

telophase anaphase I/II, telophase I/II

Chromosome No crossing Crossing across of chromosomes

occurs

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REFERENCES:
[1] A laboratory manual, GENETICS, retrieved March 9, 2023.
[2] The purpose of meiosis (no date) Meiosis. Available at:
https://www2.nau.edu/lrm22/lessons/mitosis_notes/meiosis.html#:~:text=Therefore%20the%20purpos
e%20of%20 meiosis,a%20 generic%20 contribution%20from%20 dad. (Accessed: 28 October 2023).

[3 ]Webteam, www-core (Sanger (2021) What is meiosis?, @yourgenome · Science website. Available
at:
https://www.yourgenome.org/facts/what-is-meiosis/?fbclid=IwAR2k6lLa2y6xqKd_hUpu0rw414nSZT
V03movUCt3qQiawN_Vqsq_d2xNYF0 (Accessed: 28 October 2023).
[4] Admin (2023) Mitosis (definition, diagram & stages of mitosis), BYJUS. Available at:
https://byjus.com/biology/mitosis/ (Accessed: 28 October 2023).
[5]Phases of mitosis | mitosis | biology (article) (no date) Khan Academy. Available at:
https://www.khanacademy.org/science/ap-biology/cell-communication-and-cell-cycle/cell-cycle/a/pha
ses-of-mitosis (Accessed: 28 October 2023).
[6] Webteam), www-core (Sanger (2021b) What is mitosis?, @yourgenome · Science website.
Available at: https://www.yourgenome.org/facts/what-is-mitosis/ (Accessed: 28 October 2023).

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