Mitosis and Meiosis…what’s the difference?
In this virtual lab, your students will learn about mitosis and meiosis. These two types of cell division seem very similar on the surface but have several key differences which students will encounter in this activity.
Mitosis consists of one cell division, whereas meiosis consists of two successive cell divisions. In mitosis, the result is two daughter cells but in meiosis the result is four daughter cells. When cells divide in mitosis, the daughter cells are genetically the same but in meiosis, daughter cells are genetically different. These are just some of the differences in these two processes.
There are some similarities, too. Each process goes through the same phases and ends with cytokinesis. Both processes end with the sister chromatids at opposite sides of the cell as well.
What will my students learn?
Students will learn the phases of mitosis: interphase, prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase and cytokinesis.
And the phases of meiosis: interphase, prophase I, metaphase I, anaphase I, telophase I and cytokinesis. (This process then repeats.)
Students will fill in the data table, answer questions and create a Venn diagram to help them grasp the similarities and differences of the two processes.
Students will complete the interactive lab activity which allows them to visualize how mitosis and meiosis happen under a microscope. This is my favorite part of the lab!
Once they have gone through both sections, students will get a chance to compare mitosis and meiosis side by side at the same time.
Can you list some other differences between mitosis and meiosis?
Please leave a comment and let us know how the lab went!