Mitosis and Meiosis – Animated Stages of Cell Division
Integrated ScienceGenetics & EvolutionAges 14–15
Use it with your class: students open it from a link or a QR code, with no account needed.
Next in Genetics & Evolution
A cell with a diploid chromosome number (2n = 4, 6, or 8) moves through the stages of mitosis (interphase, prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase → 2 diploid daughter cells) or meiosis (meiosis I with homologous pairs lined up in two rows, meiosis II → 4 haploid cells). Step through each stage or let it run automatically; chromosomes are color-coded by parental origin, and the chromosome count and single/duplicated state at each stage are shown clearly so you can compare the two processes.
Lesson: Mitosis and Meiosis; Chromosomes and Chromosome Number
What it shows
Mitosis and meiosis both start after DNA replication in interphase, when each chromosome becomes two sister chromatids. In mitosis the chromosomes line up singly at the equator and the chromatids separate, giving two daughter cells that are genetically identical to the parent and keep the diploid number 2n. In meiosis homologous chromosomes pair, line up in two rows at metaphase I and separate; meiosis II then splits the chromatids, giving four haploid cells with n chromosomes. Colour coding shows paternal and maternal chromosomes being sorted into new combinations.
How to use
Choose the Diploid chromosome number (2n) and the Process, then use Next stage ▶ and ◀ Previous stage to move through the division at the class's pace. At each stage, ask students to count the chromosomes and say whether they are single or duplicated before checking the count labels. Press Switch process to compare metaphase in mitosis with metaphase I in meiosis. Auto-play with a longer time per stage works well for revision.
Parameters you can change
- Diploid chromosome number (2n) 2n = 4, 2n = 6, 2n = 8
- Process Mitosis, Meiosis
- Time per stage during auto-play 0.5–4 s
- Auto-play on open
- Show chromosome count labels
Questions to explore
- How does the arrangement of chromosomes at metaphase of mitosis differ from metaphase I of meiosis?
- A cell with 2n = 8 undergoes meiosis. How many cells form, and how many chromosomes does each contain?
- Why must gametes have half the chromosome number of body cells?
