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26 Dec 2025
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Understanding Meiosis and Mitosis
Gabriela
@gabriela.my.school.journey16
1 / 3
Cell Division: Mitosis vs Meiosis
Ever wondered how you grow taller or how cuts heal? That's mitosis in action! This type of cell division creates 2 genetically identical daughter cells through just one division. It happens all over your body in regular body cells and keeps your chromosome number at a steady 46.
Meiosis is completely different - it's all about reproduction. This process creates 4 genetically non-identical daughter cells through two separate divisions. It only happens in your reproductive organs (ovaries and testes) and cuts the chromosome number in half.
Here's the key difference: human body cells have 46 chromosomes (23 pairs), but gametes (sex cells) only have 23 chromosomes. This halving is crucial because when two gametes fuse during fertilisation, they restore the full 46 chromosomes.
Quick Check: Remember that mitosis = maintenance (same number of chromosomes), whilst meiosis = making gametes (half the chromosomes).
Mitosis: Making Identical Copies
Think of mitosis like a photocopier - it makes exact duplicates of cells. The process starts when a cell with 46 chromosomes prepares to divide by growing larger and doubling its DNA to 92 chromosomes.
During Stage 1, the cell doesn't just copy its DNA - it also increases the number of sub-cellular structures like ribosomes and mitochondria. This ensures both daughter cells have everything they need to function properly.
Stage 2 is where the magic happens. The cell splits its doubled chromosomes equally, pulling one set to each end. Then in Stage 3, the cytoplasm and cell membrane divide completely, creating two genetically identical daughter cells, each with the original 46 chromosomes.
Remember: Mitosis keeps the chromosome number constant - perfect for growth and repair throughout your body.
Meiosis: Creating Genetic Diversity
Meiosis is like mitosis with a twist - it goes through the process twice! Starting with the same preparation phase, a cell with 46 chromosomes doubles its DNA and increases its sub-cellular structures.
The first division looks similar to mitosis, splitting the cell into two daughter cells. However, these cells are already genetically non-identical due to special processes that shuffle genetic material.
But meiosis doesn't stop there! Stage 4 brings a second division where each cell splits again, and the DNA halves once more. This creates cells with just 23 chromosomes - exactly half the original number.
The final result? Four genetically different gametes, each carrying a unique combination of genetic material. This genetic diversity is essential for reproduction and explains why siblings (except identical twins) look different from each other.
Key Point: The two-step division in meiosis ensures gametes have exactly half the chromosomes needed for successful fertilisation.
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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
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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
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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
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.
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
iOS user
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
Understanding Meiosis and Mitosis
Gabriela
@gabriela.my.school.journey16
Your body is constantly making new cells through two different types of cell division. Understanding mitosis and meiosis is crucial for grasping how your body grows, repairs itself, and creates the next generation.
Cell Division: Mitosis vs Meiosis
Ever wondered how you grow taller or how cuts heal? That's mitosis in action! This type of cell division creates 2 genetically identical daughter cells through just one division. It happens all over your body in regular body cells and keeps your chromosome number at a steady 46.
Meiosis is completely different - it's all about reproduction. This process creates 4 genetically non-identical daughter cells through two separate divisions. It only happens in your reproductive organs (ovaries and testes) and cuts the chromosome number in half.
Here's the key difference: human body cells have 46 chromosomes (23 pairs), but gametes (sex cells) only have 23 chromosomes. This halving is crucial because when two gametes fuse during fertilisation, they restore the full 46 chromosomes.
Quick Check: Remember that mitosis = maintenance (same number of chromosomes), whilst meiosis = making gametes (half the chromosomes).
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Mitosis: Making Identical Copies
Think of mitosis like a photocopier - it makes exact duplicates of cells. The process starts when a cell with 46 chromosomes prepares to divide by growing larger and doubling its DNA to 92 chromosomes.
During Stage 1, the cell doesn't just copy its DNA - it also increases the number of sub-cellular structures like ribosomes and mitochondria. This ensures both daughter cells have everything they need to function properly.
Stage 2 is where the magic happens. The cell splits its doubled chromosomes equally, pulling one set to each end. Then in Stage 3, the cytoplasm and cell membrane divide completely, creating two genetically identical daughter cells, each with the original 46 chromosomes.
Remember: Mitosis keeps the chromosome number constant - perfect for growth and repair throughout your body.
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Meiosis: Creating Genetic Diversity
Meiosis is like mitosis with a twist - it goes through the process twice! Starting with the same preparation phase, a cell with 46 chromosomes doubles its DNA and increases its sub-cellular structures.
The first division looks similar to mitosis, splitting the cell into two daughter cells. However, these cells are already genetically non-identical due to special processes that shuffle genetic material.
But meiosis doesn't stop there! Stage 4 brings a second division where each cell splits again, and the DNA halves once more. This creates cells with just 23 chromosomes - exactly half the original number.
The final result? Four genetically different gametes, each carrying a unique combination of genetic material. This genetic diversity is essential for reproduction and explains why siblings (except identical twins) look different from each other.
Key Point: The two-step division in meiosis ensures gametes have exactly half the chromosomes needed for successful fertilisation.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
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4.9/5
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4.8/5
Google Play
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
iOS user
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.
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
iOS user
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