The G in G1 and G2 stands for gap, but it is also useful to
think of it as G for growth, since these gap periods are where
the cell grows, replicates its organelles and makes the proteins
needed for DNA replication and cell division. Remember that S
phase stands for synthesis. It is when the cell synthesizes (or
copies/replicates) it is DNA. It is easy to think that M phase
and mitosis are the same thing. But, in some special cases,
mitosis can occur separately from cytokinesis. What is the
result? A single cell with multiple nuclei. Mitosis vs. Meiosis
Remember the root for meiosis—"meio-"—means lessen, diminish.
This makes perfect sense, because meiosis decreases the number
of a cell's chromosomes by half. The types of chromosomes
present are still the same though. Are you confused about why
cells need to carry out meiosis? Just think what would happen if
sperm and eggs where diploid. Every time they came together,
they would form an organism with twice the number of
chromosomes. You'd end up with twice as