The cell cycle is the series of events that takes place in a cell as it grows and divides into two daughter cells. There are two main stages of the cell cycle: interphase (G1, S, and G2 phases) and the mitotic phase (M phase).
During mitosis, the nucleus of a cell divides into two identical nuclei, each containing a complete set of chromosomes. The process of mitosis consists of four stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
Mitosis creates new cells by dividing the genetic material (chromosomes) of a cell equally between two daughter cells.
Mitosis is a type of asexual reproduction, as it produces genetically identical daughter cells without the involvement of gametes (sex cells).
At the end of mitosis, there are two daughter cells, each containing the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell.
Meiosis is a type of cell division that produces gametes (sperm and egg cells) with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell. The process of meiosis consists of two rounds of cell division (meiosis I and meiosis II).
Independent assortment is the random distribution of homologous chromosomes during meiosis, which results in genetically diverse gametes.
Crossing over is the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during meiosis, which also contributes to genetic diversity.
Reduction division, which occurs during meiosis I, results in the formation of four haploid gametes or spores, each with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell. This allows for genetic diversity and is important for sexual reproduction.