The process of mitosis and meiosis

Mitosis: Mitosis is a process of cell division that occurs in somatic cells (non-reproductive cells) of an organism. Its purpose is to produce two genetically identical daughter cells. Interphase: The cell prepares for division by undergoing a period of growth and DNA replication. The chromosomes are in the form of long, thin strands called chromatin. Prophase: The chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes, consisting of two identical sister chromatids joined at a centromere. The nuclear envelope disintegrates, and spindle fibers begin to form. Mitosis - Prophase Metaphase: The spindle fibers align the chromosomes along the equator of the cell, forming a plane called the metaphase plate. Mitosis - Metaphase Anaphase: The centromeres divide, separating the sister chromatids. The spindle fibers pull the chromatids towards opposite poles of the cell. Mitosis - Anaphase Telophase: The separated chromatids reach opposite poles and decondense back into chromatin. A nuclear envelope forms around each set of chromosomes, and the spindle fibers disassemble. Mitosis - Telophase Cytokinesis: The cytoplasm divides, resulting in two identical daughter cells. Each daughter cell has the same number and type of chromosomes as the parent cell. Mitosis - Cytokinesis Meiosis: Meiosis is a process of cell division that occurs in reproductive cells (gametes) to produce genetically diverse daughter cells with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell. Interphase: Similar to mitosis, the cell undergoes growth and DNA replication during interphase. Prophase I: Homologous chromosomes pair up in a process called synapsis. This results in the formation of tetrads, where genetic material can be exchanged between non-sister chromatids through a process called crossing over. Meiosis - Prophase I Metaphase I: The tetrads align along the metaphase plate, with each pair of homologous chromosomes attached to spindle fibers. Anaphase I: Homologous chromosomes separate and move towards opposite poles of the cell. Sister chromatids remain attached at their centromeres. Meiosis - Anaphase I Telophase I: The chromosomes reach opposite poles, and cytokinesis occurs, resulting in two haploid daughter cells. Prophase II, Metaphase II, Anaphase II, Telophase II: These stages are similar to those in mitosis but occur in the two haploid daughter cells from meiosis I. Meiosis - Prophase II Cytokinesis II: The final result is four haploid daughter cells, each containing half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell. Meiosis - Cytokinesis II In summary, mitosis produces two genetically identical daughter cells, while meiosis produces four genetically diverse daughter cells with half the number of chromosomes. These processes play crucial roles in growth, development, and reproduction in organisms.

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