Comparing Mitosis and Meiosis CELL CYCLE Comparing Mitosis and Meiosis

Results in two cells Results in four cells Chromosome # is maintained (diploid) Both are forms of cell division Chromosome # is reduced by half (haploid) Creates genetically identical cells Both involve similar steps Creates genetically unique cells MITOSIS MEIOSIS Results in two cells Both involve chromosome replication Results in four cells Makes somatic (body) cells Both are followed by cytokinesis Makes gametes (sex cells)

Variation Variation is defined as the differences between members of a population

Variation (cont.) Variation occurs: During meiosis by the random separation of homologous chromosomes During prophase I during crossing over During fertilization by the random combination of haploid gametes

Variation (cont.) Variation is the key to survival If an environmental change occurs, a genetically diverse population has a better chance of survival