What is the difference between meiosis 2 and mitosis?

1 Answer
Jun 25, 2018

They're very similar!

Explanation:

The major difference between meiosis II and mitosis is the ploidy of the starting cell.

  • Meiosis II begins with two haploid cells, which have half the number of chromosomes as somatic cells. This is because they will develop into gametes.
  • Mitosis begins with a diploid cell. It will divide into two sister cells, both of which are also diploid.

The phases of meiosis II are prophase II, metaphase II, anaphase II, and telophase II. These are analogous to the prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase of mitosis.