Mitosis and Meiosis Uncovered

Right off the bat, one way to simplify things is this: The number of chromosomes is EQUAL to
the number of intact centromeres. Therefore, even though a chromosome has replicated into
two sister chromatids, it is still considered ONE chromosome because the centromere (though
it may have duplicated) is still in one piece!

The important thing to keep in mind is that before the cell divides, it goes through interphase.
Interphase is divided into three stages: G
1
, S, and G
2
. In the S phase (Synthesis phase), the DNA
is replicated. Thus, by the end of S phase, each chromosome consists of two sister chromatids,
held together at the centromere. One way to describe this situation is to say the cell is 2n
(diploid) and 2c (each chromosome has two chromatids). However, the
chromosomes/chromatids are still not visible because at this stage the DNA exists in a diffuse
configuration termed chromatin.

Mitosis consists of a single cell division. It allows cells to maintain a constant chromosome
number. It is divided into four stages, described briefly.

1. Prophase:
- The chromatin condenses and becomes visible as chromosomes each with
two sister chromatids.
- The nuclear envelope degrades
- Spindle apparatus forms
- The chromosome content at this stage is still : 2n, 2c
2. Metaphase:
- The chromosomes align at the equatorial plane (metaphase plate)
- The spindle fibers are attached to the centromeres
- The chromosome content at this stage is still: 2n, 2c
3. Anaphase:
- The centromeres divide longitudinally and paired sister chromatids separate
to opposite poles of the cell
- The chromatids can now be referred to as daughter chromosomes
- Note here that each chromosome only contains one chromatid!
o However, that is all that is required, because the two sister
chromatids are basically identical copies
4. Telophase:
- The daughter chromosomes reach the pole and becomes diffuse chromatin
once again
- The spindle apparatus degrades
- The nuclear envelope reforms
- The chromosome content at this stage is now: 2n, 1c
o The cell is still diploid. However, each chromosome is composed of
only one chromatid.
Meiosis consists of two successive divisions. It generates haploid gametes. The two divisions
are termed Meiosis I and Meiosis II. Meiosis I is a reductional division, in which the
chromosome number is halved. Meiosis II is an equational division, in which the number of
chromosomes remains the same.
A cell that starts meiosis is considered to be 2n, 2c (as discussed above for mitosis).
1. Prophase I:
- Homologous chromosomes pair up side-by-side in intimate association.
- Note that at this point each chromosome consists of two sister chromatids.
- So, there are four total chromatids in each homologous pair.
- Because of this, each homologous pair of chromosomes is termed a tetrad.
- The chromosome content at this stage is still: 2n, 2c
2. Metaphase I:
- Homologous csomes move to the equatorial plane, where they align at
random.
- The chromosome content at this stage is still: 2n, 2c
3. Anaphase I:
- Homologues separate and pairs of sister chromatids move to opposite poles
- Centromeres do not divide, but continue to hold sister chromatids together.
- Note here that each chromosome still consists of two chromatids
o However, only one set of chromosomes is heading to each pole
4. Telophase I:
- A haploid set of chromosomes is found at each pole
- The chromosome content at this stage is now: 1n, 2c
5. Interkinesis
- A short interphase between the two meiotic divisions
- However, there is no S phase and hence no DNA replication
- Therefore, at the end of this phase the cells are still: 1n, 2c
Note: Meiosis II, just like mitosis, keeps the chromosome number intact. The cells in both
divsions start out with chromosomes composed of sister chromatids. The difference is that the
cells in meiosis II are haploid NOT diploid.
6. Prophase II and Metaphase II:
- The chromosome content at this stage is still: 1n, 2c
7. Anaphase II:
- The centromeres divide longitudinally and paired sister chromatids separate
to opposite poles of the cell
- The chromatids can now be referred to as daughter chromosomes
- Note here that each chromosome only contains one chromatid!
8. Telophase II:
- A haploid set of chromosomes is found at each pole
- The chromosome content at this stage is now: 1n, 1c
Note: All somatic cells (non-sex cells) in the body undergo mitosis. The cells that undergo
meiosis are germ-line cells (sex cells). This takes place in the testes in males and the ovaries in
the female. Males are constantly making new gametes in a process referred to as
gametogenesis. Females; however, have them all when they are born and do not make
anymore.
Definitions:
Haploid: the condition in which each chromosome is represented once in an unpaired condition
(represented is 1n).
Diploid: The condition in which each chromosome is represented twice as a member of a
homologous pair (represented as 2n).
Homologous chromosomes: Chromosomes that physically associate (pair) during meiosis.
Homologous chromosomes have identical gene loci.
Sister chromatids: Two chromatids joined by a common centromere. Each chromatid carries
identical genetic information.
Chromatid: One of the strands of a duplicated chromosome, joined by a single centromere to
its sister chromatid.
Centromere: A region of a chromosome to which spindle fibers attach during cell division. The
location of a centromere gives a chromosome its characteristic shape.
Mastering mitosis and meiosis: Practice exercises
For the following stages of human cell division how many chromosomes and chromatids are
present?
a. Metaphase of mitosis
The centromeres of the 46 chromosomes have not split yet. Therefore, there
are 46 chromosomes and 92 chromatids (2n, 2c).
b. Metaphase of meiosis
Metaphase I:
At this stage, the homologous chromosomes have paired up. However, the
number of chromosomes and chromatids is the same as that of metaphase of
mitosis (2n, 2c).
Metaphase II:
This stage is part of the second meiotic division. By this point, the cells are
already haploid. However, each chromosome is still intact (ie: having two sister
chromatids). Therefore, the number of chromosomes is 23 and the total number
of chromatids is 46 (1n, 2c).

c. Telophase of mitosis:
At this stage, a total of 46 chromosomes (the diploid number) have arrived at the
pole of each of the future daughter cells. Moreover, each chromosome is
single, containing only one chromatid. Therefore, the number of
chromosomes is 46 and the total number of chromatids is 46 (2n, 1c).
d. Telophase I of meiosis:
At this stage, a total of 23 chromosomes (the haploid number) have arrived at
the pole of each of the future daughter cells. However, each chromosome
consists of two sister chromatids. Therefore, the number of chromosomes is 23
and the total number of chromatids is 46 (1n, 2c).
e. Telophase II of meiosis:
At this stage, a total of 23 chromosomes (the haploid number) have arrived at
the pole of each of the future daughter cells. Moreover, each chromosome is
single, containing only one chromatid. Therefore, the number of
chromosomes is 23 and the total number of chromatids is 23 (1n, 1c).