1.

How the process of mitosis happens

Mitosis can be divided into 5 major phases, namely Interphase, Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, and

Telophase. Interphase is the preparation for cell division, where it can be divided into 3 stages. The first

is G1 (Gap 1), where the cell grows and functions normally. This is followed by S (Synthesis), where the

DNA is copied to produce more chromosomes, and G2 (Gap 2), where the cell does final preparations for

cell division. After interphase, prophase occurs where chromosomes pair up and the mitotic spindle is

formed. Chromosomes then line up at the equator of the cell, with the centrioles at opposite ends of

the cell for metaphase. This is then followed by anaphase, where the sister chromatids are pulled to

opposite poles of the cell by the spindle fibers. During this phase, cytokinesis also begins to occur, which

is when the cell starts to divide into 2 daughter cells. Lastly, telophase occurs, where the chromosomes

are now at opposite poles of the cell and the cell eventually divides to finish cytokinesis. The 2 new

daughter cells now ready to be used again for cell division.

2. How does mitosis differ from meiosis

The most notable difference for mitosis and meiosis is how many times the cells divide in each process.

Cells divide once in mitosis, and twice in meiosis. This difference in the number of times the cells divide

results in different end products. Mitosis results in 2 identical diploid somatic cells, while meiosis results

in 4 haploid germ cells (gametes), which are all genetically different. Another notable difference

between mitosis and meiosis occurs in Prophase. In Prophase I in meiosis, a process called crossing-over

occurs where an exchange of chromosome segments between non-sister chromatids. This process is

absent in the prophase of mitosis. Mitosis is for the production of somatic cells, while meiosis is

essential in gametogenesis, which produces gametes needed for reproduction.