Introduction to Mitosis and Meiosis
Mitosis and Meiosis falls under Strand D of the Grade 11 and 12 Science Ontario Curriculum "Genetic Processes." The following sections outline some of the various lesson ideas, teaching strategies, creative activities and assessments that are suitable for the Mitosis / Meiosis unit.
Studying mitosis and meiosis allows students to understand where genetic variability originates, why genetic variability is important, and some of the implications of errors during cell division.
Mitosis is the somatic cell division; nuclear division in which the duplicated chromosomes separate to form two genetically identical daughter nuclei.
Meiosis is two rounds of genetic separation and cellular division; homologous chromosomes separate leading to daughter cells that are not genetically identical