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D2.1.6—Shared features

Mitosis and meiosis share chromosome condensation, spindle microtubule movement and chromatid separation, although their outcomes differ strongly in dividing cells.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Objective
D2.1.6
Level
SL

Exam analysis

Chance of appearing2%of analysed past papers
Latest appearanceMay 2025
Most common paperPaper1
Typical marks1

Common command terms

  • Identify

Recent exam appearances

May 2025Paper1A ["SL"] · TZ212[ 1 ]D2.1.6—Shared features
May 2024Paper1 ["SL"] · TZ214[ 1 ]D2.1.6—Shared features
May 2015Paper1 ["SL"] · TZ16[ 1 ]D2.1.6—Shared features
Practice this objective

Coverage 2015–2025 · Updated 16 Jul 2026

Mitosis and Meiosis Share a Controlled Division Logic

Both mitosis and meiosis use spindle fibers, chromosome condensation, alignment and movement to distribute DNA accurately.

Condensation makes chromosomes manageable, spindle attachment provides direction and checkpoints reduce segregation errors. Meiosis adds homologous pairing and a second division.

Compare a division by checking: replicated chromosomes; spindle; alignment; separation target; number of rounds.

In both processes spindle fibers pull chromosomes toward opposite poles, but meiosis I separates homologous chromosomes rather than sister chromatids.

Shared machinery does not make the outcomes identical; chromosome partners and division count change the result.

Shared features

Assessment in practice

1 marks
How it is assessed

This objective is assessed through multiple choice, commonly using Identify.

Command terms

Identify

What earns marks

Build the answer around this relationship: Both mitosis and meiosis use spindle microtubules to move chromosomes.

Representative question

Question 1

[Maximum number: 1]

What occurs in cell division during both mitosis and meiosis?

A

Condensation of DNA by supercoiling in telophase

B

Movement of microtubules to move chromatids in anaphase

C

Pairing of homologous chromosomes in prophase

D

Crossing over between chromosomes in metaphase

Core Cell Division

  • Cell division produces daughter cells for growth, repair or reproduction; cytokinesis divides cytoplasm by a contractile ring in animals or a cell plate in plants.
  • DNA replication creates sister chromatids joined at centromeres before nuclear division.
  • Mitosis preserves chromosome number: chromosomes condense, align, sister chromatids separate and nuclei reform, producing genetically identical nuclei.
  • Meiosis follows one replication with two divisions: homologous chromosomes separate in meiosis I and sister chromatids in meiosis II, producing haploid cells.
  • Crossing over, independent orientation and random fertilization generate allele combinations.
  • Non-disjunction is failed chromosome separation and can produce aneuploid cells, including trisomy 21.
  • Identify stages in micrographs from chromosome condensation, equatorial alignment, separation and nuclear-envelope cues.

Concept essentials

  • Both mitosis and meiosis use spindle microtubules to move chromosomes.
  • Sister chromatids separate in mitosis and meiosis II.
  • Chromosome condensation helps make DNA movable during division.
  • Crossing over and homologous pairing are not shared features of mitosis.
ConceptIB Biology SL