Cell division is one of the highest-weightage chapters in NEET Biology 2027, typically contributing 3u20135 questions per exam. Mitosis and Meiosis are tested through visual diagrams, stage identification, and conceptual questions. This article gives you complete notes with 50 MCQ-level concepts and a 10-question quiz for immediate practice.
Cell Division u2014 NEET 2027 Weightage
| Topic | NEET Avg. Questions | Class | Chapter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mitosis | 2u20133 | Class 11 | Chapter 10 |
| Meiosis | 2u20133 | Class 11 | Chapter 10 |
| Cell Cycle | 1 | Class 11 | Chapter 10 |
Cell Cycle u2014 Overview
The cell cycle has two main phases: Interphase (preparation) and Mitotic phase (division).
| Phase | Sub-phase | Key Events |
|---|---|---|
| Interphase | G1 (Gap 1) | Cell growth, protein synthesis, organelle production |
| S Phase (Synthesis) | DNA replication u2014 chromosome number doubles | |
| G2 (Gap 2) | Further growth, preparation for division | |
| M Phase | Karyokinesis + Cytokinesis | Actual nuclear and cell division |
Mitosis u2014 Phase-by-Phase Notes
Prophase
- Chromatin fibres u2192 chromosomes (condense)
- Nuclear envelope breaks down
- Spindle fibres form (from centrioles in animal cells)
- Nucleolus disappears
Metaphase
- Chromosomes align at the metaphase plate (equatorial plane)
- Spindle fibres attach to centromeres
- Best stage for karyotyping (chromosomes most visible)
Anaphase
- Centromeres split; sister chromatids pulled to opposite poles
- Cell elongates
- Each pole gets a complete set of chromosomes
Telophase
- Nuclear envelope reforms around each chromosome set
- Chromosomes uncoil back to chromatin
- Nucleolus reappears
- Followed by cytokinesis
Meiosis u2014 Key Points for NEET
Meiosis I (Reductional Division)
| Sub-stage | Key Event | NEET Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Leptotene | Chromosome condensation begins | Bead-like chromomeres visible |
| Zygotene | Synapsis u2014 homologous chromosomes pair (bivalent/tetrad) | Synaptonemal complex forms |
| Pachytene | Crossing over (recombination) u2014 bivalents exchange segments | Most important for genetic variation |
| Diplotene | Bivalents repel; chiasmata visible at crossing-over sites | Chiasmata = evidence of crossover |
| Diakinesis | Terminal chromosome condensation; nuclear envelope breaks down | Bivalents move to cell periphery |
Key Differences: Mitosis vs Meiosis
| Feature | Mitosis | Meiosis |
|---|---|---|
| Occurs in | Somatic cells | Germ cells (gonads) |
| Number of divisions | 1 | 2 (Meiosis I + II) |
| Daughter cells | 2 diploid (2n) | 4 haploid (n) |
| Genetic variation | None (clones) | Yes (crossing over) |
| Synapsis | Absent | Present (in Prophase I) |
| Crossing over | No | Yes (Pachytene) |
| Purpose | Growth, repair, asexual reproduction | Sexual reproduction, gamete formation |
Frequently Tested NEET MCQ Points u2014 Cell Division
- Meiosis II is similar to mitosis u2014 but starts with haploid cells
- Plant cells form a cell plate during cytokinesis; animal cells form a cleavage furrow
- Crossing over creates recombinant chromosomes u2014 source of genetic variation
- In humans: 23 pairs (46) chromosomes in diploid cells u2192 23 chromosomes in gametes (haploid)
- G0 phase: cells exit cell cycle and become non-dividing (neurons, muscle cells)
- Colchicine prevents spindle formation u2192 used to create polyploidy in plants
- Oogenesis: meiosis produces 1 egg + 3 polar bodies (unequal cytokinesis)
Practice Quiz u2014 Cell Division NEET 2027
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FAQ u2014 NEET Cell Division
How many questions from Cell Division appear in NEET?
Cell Division (Chapter 10, Class 11 NCERT Biology) typically contributes 3u20135 questions in NEET. It is a moderate-weightage chapter u2014 manageable with 2u20133 days of focused revision. Meiosis questions are more frequent than Mitosis.
What is the difference between karyokinesis and cytokinesis?
Karyokinesis is the division of the nucleus (Prophase u2192 Telophase). Cytokinesis is the division of the cytoplasm that follows karyokinesis, resulting in two separate daughter cells. Together they constitute the M phase of the cell cycle.
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