1. Asexual Reproduction The Cell Cycle:
The time taken for a new cell to reach maturity and produce two new cells is called the CELL CYCLE.
The process used to produce new cells is called MITOSIS.
The process of mitosis ensures that each new cell has the same amount of genetic material (DNA) as the original cell in its nucleus.
Mitosis is essentially the same in both plants and animals.
There are FIVE stages in mitosis.

2. Stage of Mitosis INTERPHASE The “S” phase= period of synthesis.
Phase between successive mitoses.
DNA is replicated in preparation for cell reproduction
PROPHASE
Chromosomes are double stranded.
Chromosomes thicken and become visible.
Spindle begins to form.
METAPHASE
Chromosomes are attached to the spindle by their centromeres at the “equator” of the cell.
Centromeres are about to divide
ANAPHASE
Centromeres have split producing two sets of identical chromosomes
Spindle fibres (microtubules and proteins) contract.
Divided chromosomes move apart to the poles of the cell.
TELOPHASE
Two sets of identical chromosomes at each end of the spindle.
Chromosomes lengthen and become less visible.

3. Stage of Meiosis FIRST DIVISION= Production of Chromosome number.
SECOND DIVISION = Separation of Chromatids
INTERPHASE I
Resting phase.
Chromosomes start to duplicate late in interphase.
PROPHASE I
Chromosomes are visible
Chromosomes have paired off into homologous pairs through the process of synapsis.
Nuclear envelope begins to break down
Crossing over may have occurred between homologous chromosomes.
PROPHASE II
Nuclear envelope disappears
Chromosomes, joined at the centromere attach to spindle
METAPHASE I
Spindle appears
Chromosomes line up along the cell equator (spindle)
METAPHASE II
Chromosomes line up with centromeres on the equator of the new spindle
ANAPHASE I
Spindle contracts
Homologous chromosomes have separated and begin to move apart towards the spindle poles.
Centromere has not divided.
ANAPHASE II
Centromeres divide and are pulled towards the poles.
TELOPHASE I
Chromosomes uncoil (relax) and disappear.
Nuclear envelope reforms
2 Daughter cells formed
TELOPHASE II
New nuclear envelope forms creating four new haploid nuclei.
Group of nuclei is called a tetrad.
Cytoplasm and cells divide into two.

5. Differences between Mitosis and Meiosis
Occurs in somatic cells
One division during the process
Homologous chromosomes don’t pair off
Two cells formed
Centromere divides
Daughter cells are diploid
Cells genetically identical
Meiosis
Occurs in sex organs only
Two divisions during the process
Homologous chromosomes pair off
Four cells formed
Centromere divides at second division only
Daughter cells are haploid
Cells genetically different.