Last Updated: April 2026
Cell Division is one of the most consistently tested topics in NEET Biology, appearing in almost every paper with 2–4 questions. This chapter from NCERT Class 11 (Chapter 10: Cell Cycle and Cell Division) covers the fundamental process by which cells replicate — essential for understanding genetics, reproduction, and cancer biology.
In NEET 2024 and 2025, cell division contributed 3 questions each year. Master this chapter thoroughly and you’re guaranteed marks.
Cell Cycle — Overview
The cell cycle is the sequence of events a cell goes through from its formation to its division into two daughter cells. It has two major phases:
- Interphase (I-Phase): The preparatory phase — cell grows and duplicates its DNA
- M-Phase (Mitotic Phase): The actual division of the cell
Interphase — Sub-phases
| Sub-phase | Full Name | What Happens | Duration (human cell) |
|---|---|---|---|
| G₁ Phase | First Gap Phase | Cell growth; protein synthesis; organelle duplication | ~12 hours |
| S Phase | Synthesis Phase | DNA replication; chromosome number doubles (but cell stays diploid) | ~8 hours |
| G₂ Phase | Second Gap Phase | Further growth; synthesis of spindle proteins; final preparation | ~4 hours |
Key NEET Point: Interphase = G₁ + S + G₂ (NOT a resting phase — it is the most metabolically active phase)
Mitosis — Equational Division
Mitosis produces two genetically identical daughter cells, each with the same chromosome number as the parent. It occurs in somatic (body) cells for growth and repair.
Phases of Mitosis — Quick Reference
| Phase | Key Events | NEET Trigger Words |
|---|---|---|
| Prophase | Chromatin condenses to chromosomes; nucleolus disappears; spindle forms; nuclear envelope breaks down | Longest phase; chromatin → chromosomes; spindle appears |
| Metaphase | Chromosomes align at metaphase plate (equatorial plane); centromeres attach to spindle fibres | Metaphase plate; best stage to count chromosomes; centromere |
| Anaphase | Centromeres split; sister chromatids separate and move to opposite poles; cell elongates | Shortest phase; chromatids separate; V-shape movement |
| Telophase | Chromosomes reach poles; decondense; nuclear envelope reforms; nucleolus reappears | Reverse of prophase; two nuclei form |
| Cytokinesis | Cytoplasm divides: cleavage furrow in animals; cell plate in plants | Animal = furrow inward; Plant = phragmoplast + cell plate |
Meiosis — Reductional Division
Meiosis occurs in reproductive cells (germ cells) to produce gametes. It reduces chromosome number by half (2n → n) and introduces genetic variation through crossing over.
Meiosis I — The Reductional Division
| Sub-phase | Key Events | Important NEET Fact |
|---|---|---|
| Leptotene | Chromosomes begin to condense; bead-like chromomeres visible | First sub-stage of Prophase I |
| Zygotene | Homologous chromosomes pair up (synapsis); synaptonemal complex forms | Synapsis occurs here; bivalents formed |
| Pachytene | Crossing over occurs at chiasmata; genetic recombination | Most important sub-stage — NEET favourite |
| Diplotene | Synaptonemal complex dissolves; chiasmata visible; chromosomes partially separate | Chiasmata visible; lampbrush chromosomes in amphibians |
| Diakinesis | Chromosomes maximally condensed; nuclear envelope breaks; spindle forms | End of Prophase I; chiasmata move toward ends (terminalization) |
Meiosis II — The Equational Division
Meiosis II is similar to mitosis — it separates sister chromatids. The result is 4 haploid cells (gametes) from one original diploid cell.
Mitosis vs Meiosis — Key Differences for NEET
| Feature | Mitosis | Meiosis |
|---|---|---|
| Occurs in | Somatic cells | Germ cells / reproductive cells |
| Number of divisions | 1 | 2 (Meiosis I + Meiosis II) |
| Daughter cells produced | 2 | 4 |
| Chromosome number | Same as parent (2n) | Half of parent (n) |
| Genetic variation | No (identical clones) | Yes (crossing over) |
| Crossing over | Does not occur | Occurs in Prophase I (Pachytene) |
| Purpose | Growth, repair, asexual reproduction | Sexual reproduction, gamete formation |
| Bivalent formation | No | Yes (in Zygotene) |
Important Facts — NEET Exam Traps
- Interphase is NOT the resting phase — active synthesis occurs throughout
- DNA replication occurs in S phase of Interphase (not in Prophase)
- Crossing over is a feature of Prophase I (Pachytene) — not Metaphase or Anaphase
- In animals, cytokinesis occurs by cleavage furrow (inward pinching)
- In plants, cytokinesis occurs by phragmoplast forming a cell plate (outward growth)
- Colchicine stops cell division at Metaphase by dissolving spindle fibres
- Meiosis is also called reductional division; Mitosis is equational division
NEET MCQ Practice: Cell Division
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Frequently Asked Questions — Cell Division NEET
How many questions come from Cell Division in NEET?
Cell Division typically contributes 2–4 questions in NEET. In NEET 2024 and 2025, 3 questions each came from this chapter. Focus on Prophase I sub-stages (especially Pachytene for crossing over), cytokinesis differences between plant and animal cells, and the comparison between mitosis and meiosis.
What is the difference between mitosis and meiosis in one line?
Mitosis produces 2 genetically identical diploid (2n) daughter cells for growth and repair; meiosis produces 4 genetically diverse haploid (n) daughter cells (gametes) for sexual reproduction.
Where does crossing over occur?
Crossing over occurs during Pachytene — the third sub-stage of Prophase I of Meiosis. The points where chromosomes cross and exchange genetic material are called chiasmata (singular: chiasma). This process creates genetic recombination and is the basis of genetic diversity.
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