Mitosis is where the parent cell divides. The first step is prophase, the beginning of mitosis. This is where the chromatin begins to condense into chromosomes. The sister chromatids are held together at the middle called centromeres. The next step is metaphase. In this step the chromosomes align at the center of the cell. Anaphase is the next step. This is where chromatids, which are now separate chromosomes, are pulled toward the poles. After this happens the cell enters into the telophase. In this phase the chromosomes begin to loosen up from being condensed as the cleavage furrow begins. The final phase is cytonkinesis. In this final phase the cleavage furrow splits the cell making two individual cells. The steps of Meiosis are similar to mitosis with a difference in the fact the daughter cells end up with half the number of chromosomes of the parent cells. In prophase I, the members of homologous pairs become closely affiliated. They become perfectly aligned. In metaphase I the aligned pairs move to the equator together. When the pairs separate and begin to move to the poles this is called the anaphase I. Telophase I is where the chromosomes become clustered and a nuclear envelope begins to develop as the cells begin to divide. The next step is prophase II is where the chromosomes become dense again. Metaphase II is the stage where homologous pairs are gone and the chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell. In the anaphase II, the single chromosomes move to the opposite poles. Telophase II is the final stage or step before division of the cell. Ascaris was useful in the studying meiosis because it was proven to be a valuable tool in learning about meiosis and gamete formation. Choosing the right organism can be very valuable in finding answers in science and experiments.
