1. Mitosis in Watermelons
Watermelons grow from small to large through the process of Mitosis.

2. Each bean represents 1 chromosome. Watermelons have 22 chromosomes
Interphase
Chromosomes begin to duplicate
Each bean represents 1 chromosome. Watermelons have 22 chromosomes
Nucleus

3. Prophase Each chromosome now has a duplicate
Each pair is called a “Sister Chromatid”
Spindle fibers start to form
Nuclear envelope breaks down

4. Metaphase Chromosomes line up in the middle
Spindle fibers are attached

5. Anaphase
Sister Chromatids separate

6. Telophase “Cytokinesis”
The division of the cytoplasm to form two new cells
Nuclear membrane re-forms
Cell plate forms to divide the 2 daughter cells

7. Meiosis in Seeded Watermelons
Male flowers produce pollen and sperm (male gamete).
Female flowers produce eggs inside the ovule (female gamete).
When pollen carrying sperm from the male flower reaches the ovule of the female flower, a watermelon fruit begins to form
Meiosis takes place in the flower of a watermelon plant to produce gametes.

8. Meiosis in Seedless Watermelons
Diploid Flower cross pollinates with a tetraploid flower
Resulting in a triploid offspring which is sterile and does not produce seeds.

9. Prophase I Homologous chromosomes pair up Each pair is called a tetrad
Crossing-over occurs
Spindle fibers start to form
Nuclear envelope breaks down

10. Prophase II Nuclear envelope dissolves Spindle is set up
Spindle fibers start to form
Nuclear envelope dissolves

11. Metaphase I
Homologs line up along equator

12. Metaphase II
Chromosomes line up along equator, not in homologous pairs

13. Anaphase I
Spindle fibers move homologous chromosomes to opposite sides

14. Anaphase II
Chromatids separate

15. Telophase I
Cytoplasm divides
Two daughter cells form

16. Telophase II Nuclear membrane reforms Cytoplasm divides
Four daughter cells form