AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Mitosis occurs in somatic cells; this means that it takes place in all types of cells that are not involved in the production of gametes. Prior to each mitotic division, a copy of every chromosome is created; thus, following division, a complete set of chromosomes is found in the nucleus of each new cell.

Detailed explanation-2: -Mitosis is the most common form of cell division. All somatic cells undergo mitosis, whereas only germ cells undergo meiosis. Meiosis is very important because it produces gametes (sperm and eggs) that are required for sexual reproduction.

Detailed explanation-3: -In multicellular plants and animals, however, meiosis is restricted to the germ cells, where it is key to sexual reproduction. Whereas somatic cells undergo mitosis to proliferate, the germ cells undergo meiosis to produce haploid gametes (the sperm and the egg).

Detailed explanation-4: -The difference between the two processes is that mitosis occurs in non-reproductive cells, or somatic cells, and meiosis occurs in the cells that participate in sexual reproduction, or germ cells.

Detailed explanation-5: -Somatic cells are produced through the cell division process of mitosis. They contain two copies of each chromosome, one from an organism’s mother and one from their father. Cells with two copies of each chromosome are called diploid.