AGB 121: Principles of Animal Genetics and Population Genetics (2+1)

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MITOSIS AND MEIOSIS

Sl.No.	Mitosis	Meiosis
1.	An equation division separating sister chromatids.	A reduction division. The first stage is a reduction division which separates homologous chromosomes at first anaphase. Sister chromatids separate in an equational division at II anaphase.
2.	Only one division per cycle i.e. one cytoplasmic division (cytokinesis) per equational division.	Two divisions per cycle i.e. two cytoplasmic divisions, one following the reduction division and one following equation division.
3.	Chromosomes fail to synapse. No chiasmata formation.	Chromosomes synapse and form chiasmata.
4.	Genetic exchange between homologous chromosomes does not occur.	Genetic exchange through chiasmata occurs between homologous chromosomes.
5.	Two daughter cells are produced.	Four daughter cells are produced.
6.	Genetic contents of daughter cells are identical.	Genetic contents of daughter cells are different. Centromere may be replica of either paternal or maternal centromeres in varying combinations.
7.	Chromosome number of daughter cells is the same as that of mother cell.	Chromosome number of daughter cells is half of that of mother cells.
8.	Daughter cells are capable of undergoing additional mitotic divisions.	Daughter cells are not capable of undergoing another meiotic division although they may undergo mitotic division.
9.	Normally occurs in all somatic cells.	Occurs only in specialized germ cells.
10.	Begins at the zygote stage and continues through the life of the organism.	Occurs only after puberty, in higher organisms, but occurs in the zygote of algae and fungi.