BIO101 – Topic 7: Cell Division (Mitosis and Meiosis)
Course Code: BIO 101
Course Name: General Biology
7.1 Introduction to Cell Division
Cell division is the biological process by which a single cell divides to produce new cells. It is essential
for growth, repair, reproduction, and continuity of life. Every living organism depends on cell division to
maintain its structure and function. Text-Based Diagram: Imagine one parent cell splitting into two
identical daughter cells, each with the same genetic information — like photocopying a complete set of
instructions.
7.2 Importance of Cell Division
1. Growth – Enables organisms to increase in size by adding more cells.
2. Repair – Replaces damaged or worn-out cells.
3. Reproduction – Produces gametes (sex cells) for reproduction.
4. Genetic Continuity – Ensures equal distribution of genetic material.
7.3 Types of Cell Division
(a) Mitosis: Occurs in somatic cells and produces two identical daughter cells.
(b) Meiosis: Occurs in reproductive cells and produces four haploid cells important for sexual
reproduction.
7.4 Stages of Mitosis
1. Prophase – Chromosomes condense, spindle forms.
2. Metaphase – Chromosomes align at the equator.
3. Anaphase – Chromatids separate.
4. Telophase – New nuclei form and cytokinesis divides the cytoplasm.
7.5 Stages of Meiosis
Occurs in two divisions: Meiosis I (Reduction Division) and Meiosis II (Similar to Mitosis).
Produces four haploid gametes, each genetically unique due to crossing over.
7.6 Differences Between Mitosis and Meiosis
Feature Mitosis Meiosis
Type of Cells Somatic (body) cells Reproductive (sex) cells
Number of Divisions One Two
Daughter Cells Two identical Four non-identical
Chromosome Number Diploid Haploid
Genetic Composition Identical Varied (crossing over)
7.8 Revision Questions – Topic 7
© Lesuyai Organic Guides 2025
Course Code: BIO 101
Course Name: General Biology
7.1 Introduction to Cell Division
Cell division is the biological process by which a single cell divides to produce new cells. It is essential
for growth, repair, reproduction, and continuity of life. Every living organism depends on cell division to
maintain its structure and function. Text-Based Diagram: Imagine one parent cell splitting into two
identical daughter cells, each with the same genetic information — like photocopying a complete set of
instructions.
7.2 Importance of Cell Division
1. Growth – Enables organisms to increase in size by adding more cells.
2. Repair – Replaces damaged or worn-out cells.
3. Reproduction – Produces gametes (sex cells) for reproduction.
4. Genetic Continuity – Ensures equal distribution of genetic material.
7.3 Types of Cell Division
(a) Mitosis: Occurs in somatic cells and produces two identical daughter cells.
(b) Meiosis: Occurs in reproductive cells and produces four haploid cells important for sexual
reproduction.
7.4 Stages of Mitosis
1. Prophase – Chromosomes condense, spindle forms.
2. Metaphase – Chromosomes align at the equator.
3. Anaphase – Chromatids separate.
4. Telophase – New nuclei form and cytokinesis divides the cytoplasm.
7.5 Stages of Meiosis
Occurs in two divisions: Meiosis I (Reduction Division) and Meiosis II (Similar to Mitosis).
Produces four haploid gametes, each genetically unique due to crossing over.
7.6 Differences Between Mitosis and Meiosis
Feature Mitosis Meiosis
Type of Cells Somatic (body) cells Reproductive (sex) cells
Number of Divisions One Two
Daughter Cells Two identical Four non-identical
Chromosome Number Diploid Haploid
Genetic Composition Identical Varied (crossing over)
7.8 Revision Questions – Topic 7
© Lesuyai Organic Guides 2025
