DNA Replication, Mitosis and Meiosis – Lesson Summary

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Learning Objective

In this lesson we will learn about the two types of cell division – involving either mitosis or meiosis – and the process of DNA replication which takes place prior to both.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson you will be able to:

  • Explain why cell division takes place.
  • Describe the process of DNA replication and explain why it takes place prior to cell division.
  • Describe the process of mitosis, where it occurs and the types of cells it produces.
  • Describe the process of meiosis, where it occurs and the types of cells it produces.
  • Compare and contrast the processes of mitosis and meiosis.

 
cell division dna replication mitosis and meiosis lesson contents

(Image: sinhyu, Adobe Stock)

Lesson Topics

1 | Cell Division

2 | DNA Replication

3 | Mitosis

4 | Meiosis

5 | Summary

Lesson Summary

  • Cell division (cytokinesis) produces two daughter cells from a parent cell.
  • Cell division for growth involves mitosis and the replication of body cells (somatic cells).
  • Cell division for reproduction involves meiosis and the production of gametes (sex cells).
  • DNA replication produces two daughter DNA molecules from a parent DNA molecule.
  • Duplicated chromosomes consist of sister chromatids joined at the centromere.
  • DNA replication takes place before mitosis and meiosis.
  • Mitosis involves one round of division, resulting in two diploid cells that are genetically identical to the parent cells.
  • Meiosis involves crossing over and two rounds of division, resulting in four haploid cells that are genetically unique.

 
comparing mitosis and meiosis

(Header image: sinhyu, Adobe Stock)