What is the difference between somatic cells and germ cells?

Somatic cells are involved in growth, repair, and tissue maintenance and have 46 chromosomes. Germ cells are responsible for reproduction through gamete formation and undergo meiosis to produce haploid gametes with 23 chromosomes.

How many chromosomes are in human somatic cells and gametes?

Human somatic cells have 46 chromosomes (23 pairs: 22 autosomes and 1 pair of sex chromosomes). Gametes have 23 chromosomes (haploid), with oocytes carrying 22 autosomes + X, and sperm carrying either 22 + X or 22 + Y.

What is mitosis and why is it important?

Mitosis is the division of somatic cells, producing two genetically identical daughter cells with 46 chromosomes each. It is crucial for genetic stability across generations, growth and development of tissues, and regeneration and repair of damaged cells.

What are the key phases of mitosis?

Mitosis involves six phases: Interphase (DNA replicates), Prophase (chromosomes condense), Prometaphase (chromatids become visible), Metaphase (chromosomes align on the equator), Anaphase (chromatids separate and move to poles), and Telophase (chromosomes uncoil and nuclear membrane reforms).

What is meiosis and how does it differ from mitosis?

Meiosis is the division of germ cells into four non-identical haploid gametes with 23 chromosomes. Unlike mitosis, which produces identical somatic cells, meiosis involves two divisions and promotes genetic variation through processes like crossing over.

What happens during prophase I of meiosis?

Prophase I of meiosis is subdivided into stages: Leptotene (chromosomes appear as threads), Zygotene (homologous chromosomes pair), Pachytene (crossing over occurs, forming chiasmata), Diplotene (chromosomes begin to separate), and Diakinesis (chromosomes condense and migrate).

Why is meiosis clinically significant?

Meiosis is vital because it maintains chromosomal number across generations, promotes genetic variation through crossing over and independent assortment, and supports hybrid vigor and evolutionary diversity.

Cell Division & Gametogenesis – Mitosis, Meiosis Explained

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