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30 Dec 2025
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Understanding Mitosis and Meiosis Processes
DT
@djt9
1 / 7
Mitosis: Creating Identical Cells
Your body constantly creates new identical cells through mitosis, and it happens in four precise stages. Think of it like a perfectly choreographed dance where chromosomes move in specific patterns.
Prophase kicks things off when the nucleolus disappears and the nuclear envelope breaks down. Centrioles migrate to opposite ends of the cell to form the spindle apparatus, which then attaches to chromosomes and guides them towards the cell's centre.
Metaphase is when all chromosomes line up perfectly along the metaphase plate (the cell's equator). The spindle fibres hold them in place, creating a neat line across the middle of the cell.
💡 Remember: Metaphase = Middle! All chromosomes meet in the middle of the cell.
Anaphase begins when centromeres divide, separating sister chromatids. These chromatids are then pulled to opposite poles of the cell by shortening spindle fibres.
Completing Mitosis and Cytokinesis
Telophase is essentially prophase in reverse. The separated chromatids (now called chromosomes again) reach opposite poles, nuclear envelopes reform around each set, and chromosomes begin to uncoil whilst the nucleolus reappears.
Cytokinesis is the final step where the cytoplasm actually divides to create two separate cells. In animal cells, this happens through a cleavage furrow that forms around the cell's middle.
The cytoskeleton pulls the membrane inwards until it fuses completely, physically separating the two new cells. This process ensures that both daughter cells receive equal portions of cytoplasm and organelles.
💡 Key Point: Mitosis + cytokinesis = one parent cell becomes two genetically identical daughter cells.
The end result? Two cells that are genetically identical to the original parent cell, perfect for growth and repair.
Meiosis: The Reduction Division Process
Unlike mitosis, meiosis creates four genetically different cells from one parent cell. This two-part process is essential for sexual reproduction and happens in your reproductive organs.
Meiosis I is called the reduction division because it separates pairs of homologous chromosomes into two cells. Each intermediate cell ends up with only half the chromosome number (haploid instead of diploid).
Meiosis II works similarly to mitosis, separating the chromatid pairs in each daughter cell. This creates two more cells from each of the intermediate cells, giving you four haploid cells in total.
💡 Remember: Meiosis = "Me-I-oh-sis" = "My-oh-my, four different cells!"
Prophase I starts like mitosis with chromosome condensation and nuclear envelope breakdown. However, something special happens: homologous chromosomes pair up to form bivalents, and chiasmata form where chromatids cross over and entangle.
Meiosis I: Creating Genetic Diversity
Metaphase I differs significantly from mitosis because homologous pairs line up along the metaphase plate rather than individual chromosomes. The orientation of each pair is completely random, creating independent assortment.
This random arrangement means different combinations of maternal and paternal chromosomes can end up in each daughter cell. Independent assortment is one of the key mechanisms that creates genetic variation in offspring.
Anaphase I sees homologous chromosomes pulled to opposite poles, but unlike mitosis, sister chromatids remain attached. The chiasmata from crossing over create recombinant chromatids where genetic material has been exchanged.
💡 Exam Tip: Remember that in Anaphase I, whole chromosomes move (chromatids stay together), but in mitosis, individual chromatids separate.
This crossing over means sister chromatids are no longer identical, creating even more genetic diversity through new combinations of alleles.
Completing Meiosis I and Starting Meiosis II
Telophase I follows the standard pattern: chromosomes assemble at poles, nuclear membranes reform, and chromosomes uncoil. Cytokinesis then creates two haploid cells, each containing half the original chromosome number.
Meiosis II begins with Prophase II, where chromosomes condense again, nuclear envelopes break down, and spindle formation starts. This stage looks very similar to mitosis prophase.
Metaphase II arranges individual chromosomes on the metaphase plate, just like in mitosis. However, because crossing over occurred in Meiosis I, the chromatids aren't identical anymore.
This means independent assortment happens again in Metaphase II, creating even more genetic variation. The random arrangement of these genetically different chromosomes adds another layer of diversity to the final gametes.
Final Stages: Four Unique Cells
Anaphase II works exactly like anaphase in mitosis. Sister chromatids separate at their centromeres and get pulled to opposite poles by shortening spindle fibres.
Telophase II sees chromatids assembling at the poles, chromosomes uncoiling back into chromatin, and nuclear envelopes reforming. The nucleolus becomes visible again, just like in mitosis.
The final cytokinesis divides both cells, creating four daughter cells in total. These cells are haploid (containing half the chromosome number) and crucially, they're all genetically different from each other and from the parent cell.
💡 Big Picture: Meiosis transforms one diploid cell into four genetically unique haploid gametes ready for fertilisation.
This genetic diversity comes from two main processes: crossing over during Prophase I and independent assortment during both Metaphase I and II. These mechanisms ensure that every gamete you produce is genetically unique!
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
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Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
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The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
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In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
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I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
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Understanding Mitosis and Meiosis Processes
DT
@djt9
Ever wondered how your body creates new cells for growth or how gametes are formed for reproduction? Cell division is absolutely crucial for life, and there are two main types you need to master: mitosis (which creates identical cells for... Show more
Mitosis: Creating Identical Cells
Your body constantly creates new identical cells through mitosis, and it happens in four precise stages. Think of it like a perfectly choreographed dance where chromosomes move in specific patterns.
Prophase kicks things off when the nucleolus disappears and the nuclear envelope breaks down. Centrioles migrate to opposite ends of the cell to form the spindle apparatus, which then attaches to chromosomes and guides them towards the cell's centre.
Metaphase is when all chromosomes line up perfectly along the metaphase plate (the cell's equator). The spindle fibres hold them in place, creating a neat line across the middle of the cell.
💡 Remember: Metaphase = Middle! All chromosomes meet in the middle of the cell.
Anaphase begins when centromeres divide, separating sister chromatids. These chromatids are then pulled to opposite poles of the cell by shortening spindle fibres.
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Completing Mitosis and Cytokinesis
Telophase is essentially prophase in reverse. The separated chromatids (now called chromosomes again) reach opposite poles, nuclear envelopes reform around each set, and chromosomes begin to uncoil whilst the nucleolus reappears.
Cytokinesis is the final step where the cytoplasm actually divides to create two separate cells. In animal cells, this happens through a cleavage furrow that forms around the cell's middle.
The cytoskeleton pulls the membrane inwards until it fuses completely, physically separating the two new cells. This process ensures that both daughter cells receive equal portions of cytoplasm and organelles.
💡 Key Point: Mitosis + cytokinesis = one parent cell becomes two genetically identical daughter cells.
The end result? Two cells that are genetically identical to the original parent cell, perfect for growth and repair.
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Meiosis: The Reduction Division Process
Unlike mitosis, meiosis creates four genetically different cells from one parent cell. This two-part process is essential for sexual reproduction and happens in your reproductive organs.
Meiosis I is called the reduction division because it separates pairs of homologous chromosomes into two cells. Each intermediate cell ends up with only half the chromosome number (haploid instead of diploid).
Meiosis II works similarly to mitosis, separating the chromatid pairs in each daughter cell. This creates two more cells from each of the intermediate cells, giving you four haploid cells in total.
💡 Remember: Meiosis = "Me-I-oh-sis" = "My-oh-my, four different cells!"
Prophase I starts like mitosis with chromosome condensation and nuclear envelope breakdown. However, something special happens: homologous chromosomes pair up to form bivalents, and chiasmata form where chromatids cross over and entangle.
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Meiosis I: Creating Genetic Diversity
Metaphase I differs significantly from mitosis because homologous pairs line up along the metaphase plate rather than individual chromosomes. The orientation of each pair is completely random, creating independent assortment.
This random arrangement means different combinations of maternal and paternal chromosomes can end up in each daughter cell. Independent assortment is one of the key mechanisms that creates genetic variation in offspring.
Anaphase I sees homologous chromosomes pulled to opposite poles, but unlike mitosis, sister chromatids remain attached. The chiasmata from crossing over create recombinant chromatids where genetic material has been exchanged.
💡 Exam Tip: Remember that in Anaphase I, whole chromosomes move (chromatids stay together), but in mitosis, individual chromatids separate.
This crossing over means sister chromatids are no longer identical, creating even more genetic diversity through new combinations of alleles.
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Completing Meiosis I and Starting Meiosis II
Telophase I follows the standard pattern: chromosomes assemble at poles, nuclear membranes reform, and chromosomes uncoil. Cytokinesis then creates two haploid cells, each containing half the original chromosome number.
Meiosis II begins with Prophase II, where chromosomes condense again, nuclear envelopes break down, and spindle formation starts. This stage looks very similar to mitosis prophase.
Metaphase II arranges individual chromosomes on the metaphase plate, just like in mitosis. However, because crossing over occurred in Meiosis I, the chromatids aren't identical anymore.
This means independent assortment happens again in Metaphase II, creating even more genetic variation. The random arrangement of these genetically different chromosomes adds another layer of diversity to the final gametes.
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Final Stages: Four Unique Cells
Anaphase II works exactly like anaphase in mitosis. Sister chromatids separate at their centromeres and get pulled to opposite poles by shortening spindle fibres.
Telophase II sees chromatids assembling at the poles, chromosomes uncoiling back into chromatin, and nuclear envelopes reforming. The nucleolus becomes visible again, just like in mitosis.
The final cytokinesis divides both cells, creating four daughter cells in total. These cells are haploid (containing half the chromosome number) and crucially, they're all genetically different from each other and from the parent cell.
💡 Big Picture: Meiosis transforms one diploid cell into four genetically unique haploid gametes ready for fertilisation.
This genetic diversity comes from two main processes: crossing over during Prophase I and independent assortment during both Metaphase I and II. These mechanisms ensure that every gamete you produce is genetically unique!
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
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Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
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iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
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Android user
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Anna
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Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
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iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
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Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
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This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
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