Mitosis as Equational Division — NEET Biology
✅ Asked in NEET 2023This is the most dramatic period of the cell cycle, involving a major reorganisation of virtually all components of the cell. Since the number of chromosomes in the parent and progeny cells is the same, it is also called as equational division. Though for convenience mitosis has been divided into four stages of nuclear division (karyokinesis), it is very essential to understand that cell division is a progressive process and very clear-cut lines cannot be drawn between various stages. Karyokinesis involves following four stages:
Mitosis is called equational division because the number of chromosomes in parent and daughter cells remains equal (2n → 2n), distinguishing it from meiosis which is reductional. Students often confuse mitosis with meiosis or incorrectly think chromosome numbers change during mitosis. The key trap: mixing up equational (equal chromosomes) vs. reductional (half chromosomes) divisions. Remember: mitosis maintains genetic consistency through four continuous stages (prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase), not four separate events. This concept tests understanding of why mitosis is crucial for growth and asexual reproduction—critical foundational knowledge for NEET.
Match List I with List II: List I A. M Phase B. G2 Phase C. Quiescent stage D. G1 Phase List II I. Proteins are synthesized II. Inactive phase III. Interval between mitosis and initiation of DNA replication IV. Equational division Choose the correct answer:
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