TEAS® Science Study Guide
Cell Division
Cells divide for two very different reasons, and the TEAS wants you to tell the two processes apart.
Mitosis — Produces two identical cells, each with the full chromosome count (diploid). Used for growth and repair of body cells. One round of division.
Meiosis — Produces four non-identical cells, each with half the chromosome count (haploid). Used to make gametes — sperm and eggs — for sexual reproduction. Two rounds of division.
|
Mitosis |
Meiosis |
|
|
Cells produced |
2 |
4 |
|
Identical? |
Yes |
No |
|
Chromosome count |
Full (diploid) |
Half (haploid) |
|
Purpose |
Growth, repair |
Making gametes |
The phases follow the same order in both: Prophase → Metaphase → Anaphase → Telophase. A common memory aid is "Please Make A Table." In metaphase, chromosomes line up in the middle; in anaphase, they’re pulled apart.
Terms to know
- Diploid — Full set of chromosomes (46 in humans).
- Haploid — Half set (23 in humans).
- Gamete — A sex cell produced by meiosis.
What the TEAS asks most
- Which process makes gametes? Meiosis.
- How many cells does mitosis produce? Two, identical.
- Which process is used for growth and repair? Mitosis.
- During which phase do chromosomes line up in the middle? Metaphase.