Differentiate between the events of mitosis and meiosis.
Events |
Mitosis |
Meiosis |
Prophase |
Prophase is shorter in duration. Chromosomes do not become segregated at this stage. Chromosomes show two distinct chromatids. No crossing-over takes place during this stage. Prophase is simple and is not distinguishable into sub-stages. |
Prophase–I is of longer duration, while prophase–II is of shorter duration. Chromosomes are quite distinct. Chromosomes of prophase–I do not show distinct chromatids. Chiasmata is formed, and crossing overtakes place. |
Metaphase |
A single metaphase plate is formed during metaphase. Chromosomes are independent in this phase and do not show connections. Limbs of chromosomes are in different directions. Two chromatids of a chromosome are genetically similar. |
Two metaphase plates are formed during metaphase–I but a single metaphase plate is formed during metaphase–II. The Homologous chromosomes are interconnected. Limbs of chromosomes point towards the centre. The two chromatids of a chromosome are mostly genetically different. |
Anaphase |
The centromere splits along its length to form two centromeres during anaphase. Chromosomes are single-stranded. Similar chromosomes move towards the opposite poles. |
During anaphase–I, centromeres do not require segregation, but segregation of centromere takes place during anaphase–II. Double-stranded chromosomes are visible in anaphase–I, but during anaphase–II, single-stranded chromosomes are visible. Dissimilar chromosomes move towards the opposite poles. |
Telophase |
Telophase is of longer duration. It produces the interphase nuclei. |
Telophase is shorter in the case of meiosis. |
Cytokinesis |
Cytokinesis is a process that happens after every mitosis. Two daughter cells are formed at the end of this process. |
Cytokinesis does not happen after meiosis–but it happens after the second stage of meiosis. Four daughter cells are formed at the end of meiosis 2. |