Editing Cell division (section)

==In eukaryotes==
{{See also|Alternation of generations}}

Cell division in eukaryotes is more complicated than in prokaryotes. If the chromosomal number is reduced, eukaryotic cell division is classified as [[meiosis]] (reductional division). If the chromosomal number is not reduced, eukaryotic cell division is classified as [[mitosis]] (equational division). A primitive form of cell division, called [[amitosis]], also exists. The amitotic or mitotic cell divisions are more atypical and diverse among the various groups of organisms, such as [[protist]]s (namely [[diatom]]s, [[dinoflagellate]]s, etc.) and [[Fungus|fungi]].{{citation needed|date=May 2024}}

{{Gallery
|title=[[Mitosis#Forms of mitosis|Forms of mitosis]] (of karyokinesis step) in eukaryotes
|width=80|height=60
|align=center
|File:Mitosis classification closed intranuclear pleuromitoses.svg|closed <br /> intranuclear <br /> pleuromitosis
|File:Mitosis classification closed extranuclear pleuromitoses.svg|closed <br /> extranuclear <br /> pleuromitosis
|File:Mitosis classification closed orthomitoses.svg|closed <br /> orthomitosis
|File:Mitosis classification semiopen pleuromitoses.svg|semiopen <br /> pleuromitosis
|File:Mitosis classification semiopen orthomitoses.svg|semiopen <br /> orthomitosis
|File:Mitosis classification open orthomitoses.svg|open <br /> orthomitosis
}}

In the mitotic metaphase (see below), typically the chromosomes (each containing 2 sister chromatids that developed during replication in the S phase of interphase) align themselves on the metaphase plate. Then, the sister chromatids split and are distributed between two daughter cells.{{citation needed|date=May 2024}}

In meiosis I, the homologous chromosomes are paired before being separated and distributed between two daughter cells. On the other hand, meiosis II is similar to mitosis. The [[chromatid]]s are separated and distributed in the same way. In humans, other higher animals, and many other organisms, the process of meiosis is called [[gametic meiosis]], during which meiosis produces four gametes. Whereas, in several other groups of organisms, especially in plants (observable during meiosis in lower plants, but during the [[Vestigiality|vestigial stage]] in higher plants), meiosis gives rise to [[spore]]s that [[Germination|germinate]] into the haploid vegetative phase (gametophyte). This kind of meiosis is called "[[Biological life cycle|sporic meiosis]]."{{citation needed|date=May 2024}}