Cell division. How and why does it happen? Cells can make exact copies through a process called mitosis. The parent cell undergoes DNA replication and makes a copy; same DNA, same chromosome number. Some simple organisms use mitosis as a method of asexual reproduction, but there is a disadvantage: no genetic variation. When organisms began undergoing sexual reproduction, there needed to be a way for parent cells to combine DNA in their offspring, hence facilitating genetic variation. Meiosis. In this process, DNA replication still takes place, but instead of two identical cells with the same DNA and chromosome number, four daughter cells are produced with half the chromosome number. We call these cells gametes. When gametes combine via fertilization, there is a new genetic combination and the chromosome number is restored.
Compare the two processes: mitosis and meiosis. Can you identify the the true statements about the two? (Choose 4)
Responses
A