Meiosis vs Mitosis Comparison

G7 Cycle 1 Week 7 - Sexual vs Asexual Reproduction

How to Use This Simulation
  1. Adjust the controls to change simulation variables
  2. Click Start to run Meiosis vs Mitosis Comparison - G7C1W7
  3. Observe the results in the display area
  4. Click Reset to try different settings
  5. Complete the Predict-Observe-Explain section below

Keyboard: Space/Enter = start/pause · R = reset · Esc = pause

MITOSIS Cell division for growth & repair
Starting cell (46 chromosomes)
46
Cells Produced: 1 → 2
Chromosomes/Cell: 46 → 46
Genetic Variation: NONE (clones)
Purpose: Growth, Repair, Asexual
MEIOSIS Cell division for reproduction
Starting cell (46 chromosomes)
46
Cells Produced: 1 → 4
Chromosomes/Cell: 46 → 23
Genetic Variation: HIGH (unique)
Purpose: Sexual Reproduction

Key Differences Summary

Feature Mitosis Meiosis
Number of Divisions 1 2
Daughter Cells 2 identical 4 unique
Chromosome Number Same (46) Half (23)
Crossing Over? No Yes
Genetic Variation None High
Used For Body cells Sex cells (gametes)

Mitosis = Cloning

Like photocopying a document. Perfect copies for growing your body and repairing damaged tissues. All skin cells, muscle cells, and organ cells are made this way.

Meiosis = Shuffling

Like shuffling a deck of cards. Creates unique combinations for reproduction. This is why siblings look different even with the same parents!

Asexual Reproduction

Bacteria, strawberry runners, and potato "eyes" use mitosis. Fast reproduction, but all offspring are identical clones - vulnerable to same diseases.

Sexual Reproduction

Humans, animals, and most plants use meiosis. Slower, but genetic diversity helps populations survive changing environments and new diseases.

Data Collection Prompts

1. How many cells are produced by mitosis vs meiosis?

2. How many chromosomes does each daughter cell have after each process?

3. Why would a banana farmer prefer mitosis? Why might this be risky?

4. Which process creates genetic variation? Why does this matter for survival?

Data Journal — Record & Analyze Your Experiments
# Observation

Predict • Observe • Explain

Predict

Before running the simulation, predict: what do you think will happen to Meiosis vs Mitosis Comparison G7C1W7 when you change the variables?

Observe

Run the simulation with different settings. Record the patterns and relationships you see.

Explain

Compare your observations with your prediction. Use scientific vocabulary to explain why Meiosis vs Mitosis Comparison G7C1W7 behaves this way.

Key Concepts

Variables

Changing one variable while controlling others helps us isolate cause and effect in Meiosis vs Mitosis Comparison - G7C1W7.

Patterns

Look for repeatable patterns in the data — they reveal the underlying scientific principles.

Models

This simulation is a model — a simplified representation that helps us understand Meiosis vs Mitosis Comparison - G7C1W7.