In both mitosis and meiosis, sister chromatids separate during anaphase, but there are haploid daughter nuclei produced by meiosis compared to diploid nuclei produced by mitosis
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: True
Explanation
In both mitosis and meiosis, the separation of sister chromatids is a key step that occurs during anaphase. However, the outcomes of these processes are quite different due to their roles in the body and the number of cell divisions involved.
Mitosis is the process that allows a cell to divide and produce two identical diploid daughter cells. Each daughter cell has the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell. This type of cell division is used for growth, repair, and asexual reproduction. In mitosis, sister chromatids separate during anaphase, when spindle fibers pull them apart to opposite sides of the cell. The result is two genetically identical diploid cells, each with a complete set of chromosomes.
Meiosis, on the other hand, is the process used to produce gametes (sperm and egg cells). It involves two successive divisions: meiosis I and meiosis II. During meiosis I, homologous chromosomes (one from each parent) are separated, reducing the chromosome number by half. This results in cells that are haploid, meaning they contain only one set of chromosomes. Sister chromatids remain attached during meiosis I. It is during meiosis II that sister chromatids finally separate, much like in mitosis. This separation occurs during anaphase II, resulting in four haploid daughter cells by the end of meiosis.
Therefore, even though sister chromatids separate during anaphase in both mitosis and meiosis, the key difference lies in the outcome. Mitosis results in diploid cells that are identical to the original cell, while meiosis produces haploid cells that are genetically unique. This difference is essential for maintaining chromosome number across generations and introducing genetic variation in sexually reproducing organisms.
