Comparing Mitosis and Meiosis

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Somatic Cell Noun

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[so-mat-ik sel]

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Somatic Cell

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Any cell of a living organism other than the reproductive cells; it is diploid and comprises the body's tissues.

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Example: This diagram shows that somatic cells are all the cells in the body, like in the person shown, except for the reproductive germ cells (sperm and egg).

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Gamete Noun

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[gam-eet]

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Gamete

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A mature haploid male or female germ cell, such as a sperm or egg, which can unite in sexual reproduction.

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Example: Gametes, like the sperm and egg, are haploid (n) reproductive cells that combine during fertilization to form a diploid (2n) fertilized egg.

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Diploid (2n) Adjective

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[dip-loid]

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Diploid (2n)

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Containing two complete sets of chromosomes, one from each parent, which is the normal number for somatic cells.

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Example: This human karyotype shows chromosomes arranged in 23 homologous pairs, which is the definition of a diploid (2n) cell containing two sets of chromosomes.

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Haploid (n) Adjective

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[hap-loid]

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Haploid (n)

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Having a single set of unpaired chromosomes, which is half the normal number and characteristic of gametes.

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Example: This image shows that a haploid (n) cell has one copy of each chromosome, while a diploid (2n) cell has two copies.

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Interphase Noun

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[in-ter-fayz]

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Interphase

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The stage in the cell cycle where a cell grows, replicates its DNA, and prepares for cell division.

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Example: This diagram shows Interphase is the longest part of the cell cycle, where the cell grows (G1, G2) and copies its DNA (S phase).

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Cytokinesis Noun

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[sy-toh-ki-nee-sis]

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Cytokinesis

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The division of the cytoplasm to form two separate daughter cells, occurring after nuclear division (mitosis or meiosis).

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Example: This diagram shows a single animal cell dividing its cytoplasm and pinching into two separate, identical daughter cells, which is the process of cytokinesis.

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Mitosis Noun

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[my-toh-sis]

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Mitosis

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A type of cell division that results in two genetically identical diploid daughter cells from a single parent cell.

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Example: This diagram shows mitosis in plant cells, with a microscopic view on the left and simplified, labeled diagrams of each stage on the right.

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Meiosis Noun

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[my-oh-sis]

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Meiosis

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A two-stage cell division process that produces four genetically unique haploid gametes from one diploid parent cell.

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Example: This diagram shows Meiosis, a two-step cell division process that creates four unique haploid daughter cells, each with half the chromosomes of the parent.

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Chromatin Noun

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[kroh-muh-tin]

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Chromatin

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The complex of DNA and proteins that condenses to form visible chromosomes during eukaryotic cell division.

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Example: This diagram shows chromatin as the mass of thread-like genetic material (DNA and proteins) located inside the cell's nucleus before it forms chromosomes.

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Homologous Chromosomes Noun

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[ho-mol-uh-gus kroh-muh-sohmz]

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Homologous Chromosomes

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A pair of chromosomes, one inherited from each parent, that have the same gene sequences and pair during meiosis.

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Example: This image shows a pair of homologous chromosomes, which are similar in size and shape and carry genes (alleles) for the same traits at the same position (locus).