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Q: What does this page cover? A: The cell cycle, mitosis (prophase through cytokinesis), meiosis I and II, sources of genetic variation, the mitosis-vs-meiosis comparison table, cancer links, and how cell division is tested in 9744 exams.
Cell division is a foundational topic in H2 Biology. It connects Core Idea 2 (Cells) to genetics, inheritance, and evolution. Exam questions on cell division appear across Papers 1, 2, and 3 in a variety of formats: diagram labelling, structured comparisons, and explain-significance essays. Students who can precisely describe each stage - and articulate why each type of division matters - tend to score well.
Status: SEAB H2 Biology syllabus (9744, 2026) last checked 2026-03-23. Cell division content falls under Core Idea 2 - Cells, covering the cell cycle, mitosis, meiosis, and the control of cell division. [1]
Quick revision box
What this topic tests: Cell cycle phases, mitosis stages and significance, meiosis I vs meiosis II, sources of genetic variation (crossing over, independent assortment, random fertilisation), chromosome behaviour, and uncontrolled cell division (cancer).
Top mistakes to avoid: Confusing reduction division (meiosis I) with equational division (meiosis II); forgetting that crossing over occurs in prophase I, not metaphase I; describing independent assortment without specifying homologous pairs on the metaphase plate.
20-minute sprint plan: 5 min cell cycle diagram with phase durations; 10 min side-by-side sketch of mitosis and meiosis I stages; 5 min mitosis-vs-meiosis comparison table from memory.
1 Syllabus Context
Cell division sits within Core Idea 2: Cells in the 9744 syllabus. Students are expected to describe the events of the cell cycle, explain the significance of mitosis and meiosis, and link uncontrolled cell division to cancer. This topic also feeds directly into Core Idea 2 content on genetics and inheritance - understanding chromosome behaviour during meiosis is essential for predicting inheritance patterns, gene linkage, and recombination frequencies. [1]
2 The Cell Cycle
The cell cycle is the ordered sequence of events between one cell division and the next. It consists of interphase and the mitotic (M) phase.
2.1 Interphase
Interphase is the longest part of the cell cycle and is divided into three sub-phases:
G1 phase (Gap 1): The cell grows, synthesises proteins and organelles, and carries out its normal functions. Cells may also enter G0, a quiescent state in which they do not divide.
S phase (Synthesis): DNA replication occurs. Each chromosome is duplicated to form two identical sister chromatids joined at the centromere. The cell now has twice the DNA content (but the chromosome number has not changed).
G2 phase (Gap 2): The cell continues to grow and synthesises proteins required for mitosis, such as tubulin for spindle fibres. Organelles may also be duplicated.
At the end of interphase, each chromosome consists of two sister chromatids. The cell is now prepared to enter the mitotic phase.
2.2 Mitotic (M) phase
The M phase comprises mitosis (nuclear division) and cytokinesis (cytoplasmic division). In a typical mammalian cell, interphase occupies roughly 90% of the cell cycle, while the M phase accounts for the remaining 10%.
3 Mitosis in Detail
Mitosis is nuclear division that produces two genetically identical daughter nuclei, each with the same chromosome number as the parent cell (diploid to diploid in most organisms).
3.1 Prophase
Chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes. Each chromosome is seen as two sister chromatids joined at the centromere.
The nuclear envelope begins to break down.
Centrosomes (each containing a pair of centrioles in animal cells) move to opposite poles of the cell.
The mitotic spindle begins to form from tubulin subunits.
3.2 Metaphase
The nuclear envelope has fully disintegrated.
Spindle fibres (kinetochore microtubules) attach to the kinetochore on each side of the centromere of every chromosome.
Chromosomes align along the cell's equator, forming the metaphase plate.
This alignment ensures each daughter cell will receive one copy of every chromosome.
3.3 Anaphase
The centromere of each chromosome splits.
Sister chromatids separate and are pulled to opposite poles by the shortening of kinetochore microtubules.
Non-kinetochore microtubules lengthen, pushing the poles apart.
Each separated chromatid is now considered an individual chromosome.
3.4 Telophase
Chromosomes arrive at opposite poles and begin to decondense.
The nuclear envelope re-forms around each set of chromosomes.
Nucleoli reappear.
The spindle apparatus disassembles.
3.5 Cytokinesis
In animal cells, a cleavage furrow forms as a contractile ring of actin and myosin pinches the cell in two.
In plant cells, a cell plate forms from vesicles along the middle of the cell, eventually developing into a new cell wall.
Cytokinesis produces two separate daughter cells, each genetically identical to the parent cell.
3.6 Significance of mitosis
Growth: Increases the number of cells in a multicellular organism during development.
Repair and replacement: Replaces damaged or worn-out cells (e.g. skin cells, blood cells).
Asexual reproduction: Some organisms reproduce entirely through mitosis (e.g. binary fission in unicellular eukaryotes, vegetative propagation in plants).
Genetic consistency: Daughter cells are genetically identical to the parent cell, maintaining the integrity of the genome across cell generations.
4 Meiosis in Detail
Meiosis is a specialised form of nuclear division that produces four genetically distinct haploid daughter cells from one diploid parent cell. It involves two successive divisions: meiosis I (reduction division) and meiosis II (equational division).
4.1 Meiosis I - Reduction Division
Prophase I
Prophase I is the longest and most complex phase of meiosis. Several critical events occur:
Chromosomes condense. Homologous chromosomes pair up in a process called synapsis, forming bivalents (also called tetrads, as each bivalent contains four chromatids).
Crossing over occurs: non-sister chromatids of homologous chromosomes exchange segments of DNA at points called chiasmata. This recombination produces new allele combinations on each chromatid.
The nuclear envelope breaks down and the spindle forms.
Crossing over is a major source of genetic variation. Each chiasma represents a reciprocal exchange, and the number and position of chiasmata vary between meiotic divisions.
Metaphase I
Bivalents align along the metaphase plate.
The orientation of each bivalent is random - either the maternal or paternal homologue can face either pole. This is independent assortment.
Independent assortment means that for an organism with n pairs of homologous chromosomes, there are 2n possible combinations of chromosomes in the gametes. For humans (n=23), this yields 223=8,388,608 possible combinations from independent assortment alone.
Anaphase I
Homologous chromosomes separate and move to opposite poles.
Unlike in mitosis, the centromeres do not split. Each chromosome still consists of two sister chromatids.
This is the reduction step: the chromosome number is halved from diploid (2n) to haploid (n).
Telophase I and cytokinesis
Chromosomes may partially decondense; nuclear envelopes may re-form (varies by species).
Cytokinesis produces two haploid daughter cells.
There is no further DNA replication between meiosis I and meiosis II.
4.2 Meiosis II - Equational Division
Meiosis II closely resembles mitosis, but it begins with haploid cells.
Prophase II: Chromosomes condense (if they decondensed). The spindle forms again.
Metaphase II: Individual chromosomes (each consisting of two sister chromatids) align at the metaphase plate.
Anaphase II: Centromeres split. Sister chromatids separate and move to opposite poles.
Telophase II and cytokinesis: Nuclear envelopes re-form. Cytokinesis produces two cells from each haploid cell.
The overall result of meiosis is four haploid daughter cells, each genetically unique.
4.3 Significance of meiosis
Halving chromosome number: Meiosis ensures gametes are haploid (n), so that when two gametes fuse at fertilisation the diploid number (2n) is restored. Without meiosis, chromosome number would double with every generation.
Genetic variation: Crossing over, independent assortment, and random fertilisation produce offspring with unique combinations of alleles. This variation is the raw material for natural selection and evolution.
Formation of gametes: Meiosis occurs in specialised cells in the gonads (spermatocytes and oocytes in animals, spore mother cells in plants).
5 Mitosis vs Meiosis - Comparison Table
Feature
Mitosis
Meiosis
Number of divisions
1
2 (meiosis I and meiosis II)
Daughter cells produced
2
4
Ploidy of daughter cells
Diploid (2n)
Haploid (n)
Genetic variation
No (daughter cells are genetically identical)
Yes (crossing over, independent assortment)
Synapsis and crossing over
No
Yes (in prophase I)
Chromosome alignment
Individual chromosomes at metaphase plate
Bivalents at metaphase I; individual chromosomes at metaphase II
Centromere splitting
Anaphase
Anaphase II (not anaphase I)
Where it occurs
Somatic cells throughout the body
Gonads (germ cells)
Biological role
Growth, repair, asexual reproduction
Production of gametes, genetic variation
This comparison is one of the most frequently tested elements in 9744 exams. Be prepared to draw labelled diagrams showing chromosome behaviour at each stage.
6 Sources of Genetic Variation in Meiosis
Three main mechanisms generate genetic variation during sexual reproduction:
6.1 Crossing over (recombination)
During prophase I, non-sister chromatids of homologous chromosomes exchange DNA segments at chiasmata. This produces recombinant chromosomes carrying new combinations of alleles that were not present in either parent chromosome. The positions of chiasmata vary, meaning that each meiotic division produces a different set of recombinant chromatids.
6.2 Independent assortment
During metaphase I, each bivalent orients independently on the metaphase plate. The maternal and paternal homologues of one pair segregate independently of the maternal and paternal homologues of every other pair. With n chromosome pairs, there are 2n possible arrangements, and therefore 2n possible gamete combinations.
6.3 Random fertilisation
Any male gamete can fuse with any female gamete. Since each parent produces a vast number of genetically distinct gametes (through crossing over and independent assortment), the number of possible zygote genotypes is enormous. For humans, the theoretical number of genetically distinct offspring from one couple exceeds 223×223=246, even before factoring in crossing over.
Together, these three mechanisms ensure that every individual produced by sexual reproduction (except identical twins) is genetically unique.
7 Cancer and Uncontrolled Cell Division
The cell cycle is tightly regulated by checkpoints, which ensure DNA has been replicated accurately and that the cell is ready to divide. Key regulatory proteins include:
Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs): Enzymes that drive the cell cycle forward when activated by binding to cyclins.
Tumour suppressor genes (e.g. p53, Rb): Encode proteins that slow or stop the cell cycle when damage is detected. Loss-of-function mutations in these genes remove critical brakes on cell division.
Proto-oncogenes (e.g. Ras): Encode proteins that promote cell growth and division. Gain-of-function mutations convert them into oncogenes, which drive excessive proliferation.
Cancer arises when mutations accumulate in these regulatory genes, causing cells to divide uncontrollably. The resulting mass of abnormal cells forms a tumour. If these cells invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant sites (metastasis), the tumour is malignant.
Key points for exams:
A single mutation is usually insufficient to cause cancer; multiple mutations accumulating over time are typically required (multi-hit hypothesis).
Mutations may be caused by mutagens (e.g. UV radiation, chemical carcinogens) or inherited predispositions.
The link between cell cycle control and cancer connects cell biology to the genetics syllabus, making it a common topic for cross-topic essay questions.
Tip: Count the chromosome number and check whether homologous pairs are present to distinguish meiosis I from meiosis II or mitosis.
8.2 Comparison questions
"Compare and contrast mitosis and meiosis." These questions typically require a structured table covering at least five points of comparison (see Section 5 above).
"Explain why meiosis, but not mitosis, leads to genetic variation." Here you must describe crossing over, independent assortment, and (where relevant) random fertilisation.
8.3 Explain-significance questions
"Explain the biological significance of mitosis." Focus on growth, repair, asexual reproduction, and genetic consistency.
"Explain why meiosis is important for sexual reproduction." Link halving of chromosome number to restoration at fertilisation, and link genetic variation to natural selection.
8.4 Data interpretation
Graphs of DNA content during the cell cycle. Students must identify the S phase (doubling of DNA), G2 (sustained high DNA content), and the division events (drops in DNA content).
For meiosis, the graph shows two successive drops in DNA content (after meiosis I and meiosis II).
8.5 Cancer-related questions
"Explain how a mutation in a tumour suppressor gene can lead to uncontrolled cell division."
"Distinguish between proto-oncogenes and oncogenes."
For broader exam preparation strategies, see H2 Biology tuition for structured revision support.
9 Frequently Asked Questions
What is the key difference between mitosis and meiosis?
Mitosis produces two genetically identical diploid daughter cells through one division. Meiosis produces four genetically distinct haploid daughter cells through two successive divisions. The critical distinction is that meiosis includes a reduction division (meiosis I) that separates homologous chromosomes and introduces genetic variation through crossing over and independent assortment.
When does crossing over occur?
Crossing over occurs during prophase I of meiosis, when homologous chromosomes are synapsed as bivalents. Non-sister chromatids exchange DNA segments at chiasmata. It does not occur during mitosis or during meiosis II.
Why is independent assortment important?
Independent assortment generates genetic variation by randomising which combination of maternal and paternal chromosomes ends up in each gamete. For humans with 23 pairs of chromosomes, independent assortment alone can produce over 8 million genetically distinct gamete types. Combined with crossing over and random fertilisation, it ensures genetic uniqueness in sexually reproducing populations.
How does the cell cycle relate to cancer?
Cancer results from mutations in genes that regulate the cell cycle, particularly tumour suppressor genes and proto-oncogenes. When these regulatory mechanisms fail, cells bypass checkpoints and divide uncontrollably, forming tumours. Multiple mutations typically accumulate before a cell becomes cancerous.
What does a DNA content graph look like for meiosis?
A meiosis DNA content graph starts at 2n (diploid), rises to 4n during S phase (DNA replication), remains at 4n through G2 and early meiosis I, drops to 2n after meiosis I (separation of homologous chromosomes), and drops again to n after meiosis II (separation of sister chromatids). The two successive drops distinguish it from the single drop seen in mitosis.
