Class 11 Biology Chapter 10 Cell Cycle and Cell Division – Revision Notes

The cell cycle chapter separates interphase from M phase, then contrasts mitosis (identical diploid daughter cells) with meiosis (variable haploid ones).

Last Updated: September 23, 2026

Cell Cycle

• Interphase: G1 (growth), S (DNA replication), G2 (preparation).
• M phase: mitosis + cytokinesis.

Mitosis

• Prophase → Metaphase → Anaphase → Telophase.
• Produces 2 identical diploid cells; growth/repair.

Meiosis

• Meiosis I: reductional, crossing over in prophase I.
• Meiosis II: equational.
• Produces 4 variable haploid cells; sexual reproduction.

One-Line Summary

The cell cycle regulates growth and division through interphase and M phase, with mitosis producing identical diploid cells for growth/repair and meiosis producing genetically variable haploid gametes essential for sexual reproduction.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main phases of the cell cycle covered in this chapter?
The cell cycle consists of interphase, during which the cell grows and duplicates its DNA, followed by the mitotic or M phase, during which the cell actually divides into two daughter cells.

What is the key difference between mitosis and meiosis?
Mitosis produces two genetically identical daughter cells with the same chromosome number as the parent cell, used for growth and repair, while meiosis produces four genetically different daughter cells with half the chromosome number, used for producing gametes.

Written by Satish

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