In MITOSIS, the 2 daughter cells formed in the division have the same in genetic makeup as the parent cell. They have the same DNA and thus make the same proteins and behave the same.
In MEIOSIS the cells are not identical. The gametes, eggs and sperm, are products of meiosis. There is a blend of genetic material from the mother via the egg and father via the sperm. Meiosis is necessary for genetic diversity. It also explains why an individual may have traits from a grandparent. The parent may not have that trait but carries it in their genes.
Meiosis can be a complicated subject because we have 2 of every chromosome and therefore 2 of every gene even before the DNA replication that preceeds mitosis. As well, there's a chance that 2 copies of the same gene are different. An example is a trait which appears in both a grandparent and a grandchild although the parent does not have the same trait. The parent was a carrier of said trait although he or she does not present with it.
The mixing of genetic material comes about after the DNA replicates in preparation for cell division. This involves chromosomes breaking apart and joining back together.
Here is an animated movie of meiosis at http://www.biology.yale.edu/animatedMeiosis.nclk Note the red and green chromosomes at the beginning and the mixed ones at the end.
In MEIOSIS the cells are not identical. The gametes, eggs and sperm, are products of meiosis. There is a blend of genetic material from the mother via the egg and father via the sperm. Meiosis is necessary for genetic diversity. It also explains why an individual may have traits from a grandparent. The parent may not have that trait but carries it in their genes.
Meiosis can be a complicated subject because we have 2 of every chromosome and therefore 2 of every gene even before the DNA replication that preceeds mitosis. As well, there's a chance that 2 copies of the same gene are different. An example is a trait which appears in both a grandparent and a grandchild although the parent does not have the same trait. The parent was a carrier of said trait although he or she does not present with it.
The mixing of genetic material comes about after the DNA replicates in preparation for cell division. This involves chromosomes breaking apart and joining back together.
Here is an animated movie of meiosis at http://www.biology.yale.edu/animatedMeiosis.nclk Note the red and green chromosomes at the beginning and the mixed ones at the end.
