Cell division: mitosis and meiosis - A comprehensive guide
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13
0
ruebee
20/10/2025
Biology
cell division: mitosis + meiosis
119
•
20 Oct 2025
•
ruebee
@ruebee123
Cell division: mitosis and meiosis - A comprehensive guide
This... Show more




This page delves into the stages of mitosis, providing a comprehensive overview of this cell division process.
Definition: Mitosis is the process of cell division that results in the production of two identical daughter cells from a single parent cell.
The 4 stages of mitosis are explained in detail:
Interphase: The cell spends most of its life in this phase. DNA in chromosomes replicates, preparing for division.
Prophase: Chromosomes condense and become visible. The nuclear membrane disappears.
Metaphase: Chromosomes align at the cell's equator.
Anaphase: Chromosome copies are pulled to opposite poles of the cell.
Highlight: The page includes a detailed mitosis and meiosis diagram illustrating each stage of the process, from DNA replication to the formation of two identical daughter cells.
The description of mitosis continues with Telophase and Cytokinesis:
Telophase: New nuclear membranes form around the chromosomes at each end of the cell.
Cytokinesis: The cell membrane pinches in, ultimately dividing into two daughter cells.
Example: Mitosis is used for growth, replacing worn cells, repairing damaged tissues, and producing genetically identical clones (daughter cells).
This comprehensive explanation of mitosis provides students with a clear understanding of the 4 stages of cell cycle involved in cellular reproduction and growth.

This page focuses on meiosis, contrasting it with mitosis and explaining its role in sexual reproduction.
Definition: Meiosis is a type of cell division that produces four haploid gametes from one diploid cell, occurring only in the testes and ovaries.
The key difference between mitosis and meiosis is highlighted:
Highlight: While mitosis produces two identical diploid cells, meiosis results in four haploid cells, each containing half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell. This is known as reduction division.
The page explains that human sex cells (gametes) contain one chromosome from each of the 23 pairs found in normal body cells. This information is crucial for understanding chromosomes and genetic inheritance.
Example: An adult female produces ova (egg cells) with 23 chromosomes, while an adult male produces sperm cells, also with 23 chromosomes. When these gametes combine during fertilization, they restore the full complement of 46 chromosomes in the resulting zygote.
This section effectively illustrates the difference between mitosis and meiosis, particularly in terms of their end products and their roles in the body. It provides essential knowledge for comprehending genetic inheritance and the formation of unique individuals through sexual reproduction.
The visual representation of gamete formation in males and females helps students grasp the concept of haploid cell production and its significance in genetic diversity.

This page introduces the fundamental concepts of cell division, focusing on the structure and function of chromosomes and DNA.
Vocabulary: A chromosome is a structure found inside the nucleus of a cell, made from highly coiled strands of DNA. Chromosomes typically occur in pairs, with one from the mother and one from the father.
Definition: A gene is a small section of DNA on a chromosome that codes for a particular sequence of amino acids to make a specific protein. It is a unit of heredity that can be copied and passed on to the next generation.
The page provides a detailed explanation of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), describing it as the material inside the nucleus of cells that carries genetic information. DNA is presented as a polymer forming a double helix structure.
Highlight: The structure of a chromosome is illustrated, showing its components including the centromere, telomere, and individual genes along the DNA strand.
This information is crucial for understanding chromosomes and genetic inheritance, laying the foundation for comprehending the processes of mitosis and meiosis. The visual representation helps students grasp the complex structure of chromosomes and their relationship to genes and DNA.
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.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
App Store
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
ruebee
@ruebee123
Cell division: mitosis and meiosis - A comprehensive guide
This guide provides an in-depth explanation of cell division: mitosis and meiosis, covering key concepts, stages, and their significance in genetic inheritance and reproduction. It explores the difference between mitosis... Show more

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This page delves into the stages of mitosis, providing a comprehensive overview of this cell division process.
Definition: Mitosis is the process of cell division that results in the production of two identical daughter cells from a single parent cell.
The 4 stages of mitosis are explained in detail:
Interphase: The cell spends most of its life in this phase. DNA in chromosomes replicates, preparing for division.
Prophase: Chromosomes condense and become visible. The nuclear membrane disappears.
Metaphase: Chromosomes align at the cell's equator.
Anaphase: Chromosome copies are pulled to opposite poles of the cell.
Highlight: The page includes a detailed mitosis and meiosis diagram illustrating each stage of the process, from DNA replication to the formation of two identical daughter cells.
The description of mitosis continues with Telophase and Cytokinesis:
Telophase: New nuclear membranes form around the chromosomes at each end of the cell.
Cytokinesis: The cell membrane pinches in, ultimately dividing into two daughter cells.
Example: Mitosis is used for growth, replacing worn cells, repairing damaged tissues, and producing genetically identical clones (daughter cells).
This comprehensive explanation of mitosis provides students with a clear understanding of the 4 stages of cell cycle involved in cellular reproduction and growth.

Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
This page focuses on meiosis, contrasting it with mitosis and explaining its role in sexual reproduction.
Definition: Meiosis is a type of cell division that produces four haploid gametes from one diploid cell, occurring only in the testes and ovaries.
The key difference between mitosis and meiosis is highlighted:
Highlight: While mitosis produces two identical diploid cells, meiosis results in four haploid cells, each containing half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell. This is known as reduction division.
The page explains that human sex cells (gametes) contain one chromosome from each of the 23 pairs found in normal body cells. This information is crucial for understanding chromosomes and genetic inheritance.
Example: An adult female produces ova (egg cells) with 23 chromosomes, while an adult male produces sperm cells, also with 23 chromosomes. When these gametes combine during fertilization, they restore the full complement of 46 chromosomes in the resulting zygote.
This section effectively illustrates the difference between mitosis and meiosis, particularly in terms of their end products and their roles in the body. It provides essential knowledge for comprehending genetic inheritance and the formation of unique individuals through sexual reproduction.
The visual representation of gamete formation in males and females helps students grasp the concept of haploid cell production and its significance in genetic diversity.

Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
This page introduces the fundamental concepts of cell division, focusing on the structure and function of chromosomes and DNA.
Vocabulary: A chromosome is a structure found inside the nucleus of a cell, made from highly coiled strands of DNA. Chromosomes typically occur in pairs, with one from the mother and one from the father.
Definition: A gene is a small section of DNA on a chromosome that codes for a particular sequence of amino acids to make a specific protein. It is a unit of heredity that can be copied and passed on to the next generation.
The page provides a detailed explanation of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), describing it as the material inside the nucleus of cells that carries genetic information. DNA is presented as a polymer forming a double helix structure.
Highlight: The structure of a chromosome is illustrated, showing its components including the centromere, telomere, and individual genes along the DNA strand.
This information is crucial for understanding chromosomes and genetic inheritance, laying the foundation for comprehending the processes of mitosis and meiosis. The visual representation helps students grasp the complex structure of chromosomes and their relationship to genes and DNA.
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.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Explore the essential concepts of cell division, including mitosis, cell differentiation, and the nervous system. This summary covers the cell cycle, types of neurons, and the role of stem cells in growth and repair. Ideal for Year 9-11 students seeking a comprehensive understanding of cellular processes.
Explore the stages of the cell cycle, including Interphase, Mitosis (Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase), and Cytokinesis. Understand the processes of cell growth, DNA replication, and division into two identical daughter cells. This summary provides key insights into cell division and its phases, essential for biology students.
Explore key concepts in cell biology, including microscopy techniques, cell structure, transport mechanisms, and cell differentiation. This summary covers essential topics such as prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, active and passive transport, and the role of various cell organelles. Ideal for AQA GCSE Biology revision.
Explore the detailed stages of mitosis, including Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase. This summary highlights key events such as chromatin condensation, spindle apparatus formation, and cytokinesis, essential for A Level Biology students. Understand the cell cycle phases and their significance in cell division.
Explore the essential processes of photosynthesis, including the role of chlorophyll, light-dependent reactions, and factors affecting plant growth. This summary covers the conversion of carbon dioxide and water into glucose, the importance of light, and adaptations of leaves for optimal photosynthesis. Ideal for GCSE Biology students seeking to understand plant productivity and the significance of photosynthesis in ecosystems.
Explore key concepts of mitosis and meiosis with this comprehensive summary. Understand the stages of cell division, including prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase, as well as the significance of independent assortment and crossing over in genetic variation. Ideal for A Level Biology students preparing for exams.
App Store
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