Answer:

Here is a comparison of criteria between mitosis and meiosis:

a. Chromosome number in daughter cells:

- Mitosis: The daughter cells have the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell.

- Meiosis: The daughter cells have half the number of chromosomes compared to the parent cell.

b. Number of divisions:

- Mitosis: One division occurs.

- Meiosis: Two divisions occur.

c. Stages:

- Mitosis: The process consists of four stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.

- Meiosis: The process consists of two rounds of division, each with its own set of stages: prophase I, metaphase I, anaphase I, telophase I, and prophase II, metaphase II, anaphase II, and telophase II.

d. Presence of synapse:

- Mitosis: Synapse does not occur.

- Meiosis: Synapse occurs during prophase I, where homologous chromosomes pair up and exchange genetic material in a process called crossing over.

e. Presence of crossing over:

- Mitosis: Crossing over does not occur.

- Meiosis: Crossing over occurs during prophase I, leading to genetic recombination between homologous chromosomes.

f. Cell type that undergoes division:

- Mitosis: Somatic cells undergo mitotic division, resulting in the growth, repair, and maintenance of body tissues.

- Meiosis: Germ cells undergo meiotic division, leading to the formation of gametes (sperm and egg cells) for sexual reproduction.

g. Number of daughter cells formed:

- Mitosis: Two daughter cells are formed.

- Meiosis: Four daughter cells are formed.

h. DNA content of cells at the start of division:

- Mitosis: The parent cell has a diploid (2n) DNA content.

- Meiosis: The parent cell has a diploid (2n) DNA content.

i. DNA content of daughter cells:

- Mitosis: The daughter cells have the same DNA content as the parent cell (diploid or 2n).

- Meiosis: The daughter cells have half the DNA content of the parent cell (haploid or n).

j. Genetic consequences:

- Mitosis: Mitosis leads to the production of genetically identical daughter cells.

- Meiosis: Meiosis generates genetic diversity through processes like crossing over and independent assortment, resulting in genetically unique daughter cells.

Explanation:

These criteria highlight the main differences between mitosis and meiosis, which are fundamental processes in cell division and reproduction.