Animated differences between Mitosis and Meiosis

Cells, which reproduce themselves by mitosis, are reproducing by asexual reproduction.

The animation shows the cell nucleus with the chromosomes. Then, the chromosomes are duplicated, with the genetic information being duplicated in the new chromosomes. The nuclear membrane disappears, and the doubled chromosomes line up along the middle. The chromotids split apart and move to the sides of the cell. The nuclear membrane reappears and two identical cells have been formed. Only one of the new cells is shown here.

Cells, which reproduce themselves by meiosis, are reproducing by sexual reproduction.

The animation shows the cell nucleus with the chromosomes. Then the chromosomes are duplicated, with the genetic information being duplicated in the new chromosomes. The nuclear membrane disappears, and the double chromosomes line up side-by-side. The pairs of doubled chromosomes separate. The cell membrane closes off the cells into two. The doubled chromosome now lines up along the middle. The chromotids split apart and move to the sides of the cell. The cell membrane not shown divides the cells. The nuclear membrane reappears and four cells are formed. Each new cell has 1/2 of the original genetic information.