How do mitosis and meiosis have different outcomes?

The beginning of both of these cell activities are very similar with the 23 pairs (46) chromosomes replicating resulting in 2 sister chromatids. At this point when the spindle fibres attach is when the processes differ. Mitosis: The spindle fibres contract pulling the two sister chromatids apart. Telophase occurs and the result is 2 identical cells. Meiosis: The spindle fibres pull half of the homologous chromosomes with the paired chromatids into each side and form new cells. These cells then form new spindles which seperate the sister chromatids, resulting in 4 cells with 23 chromosomes of which there are 2 sets of identical cells.

TP
Answered by Thomas P. Biology tutor

2560 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

A fault opens in a forest and separates a population of lizards in half. In 100 years the fault closes and the lizards can interact again. Explain why the lizards are no longer able to breed.


In genetics, what is sex linkage and give an example


What happens during mitosis?


Humans and grasshoppers have very similar percentages of each base in their DNA but they are very different organisms. Use your knowledge of DNA structure and function to explain how this is possible (2 Marks)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning