what's the difference between mitosis and mitotic cell division?

Question

i thought they were the same things

Answer 1

They are both the same
Mitosis is the process by which a cell separates its duplicated genome into two identical halves. It is generally followed immediately by cytokinesis which divides the cytoplasm and cell membrane. This results in two identical daughter cells with a roughly equal distribution of organelles and other cellular components. Mitosis and cytokinesis together is defined as the mitotic (M) phase of the cell cycle, the division of the mother cell into two daughter cells, each the genetic equivalent of the parent cell. Mitosis occurs exclusively in eukaryotic cells. In multicellular organisms, the somatic cells undergo mitosis, while germ cells — cells destined to become sperm in males or ova in females — divide by a related process called meiosis. Prokaryotic cells, which lack a nucleus, divide by a process called binary fission.

The process of mitosis is complex and highly regulated. The sequence of events is divided into phases, corresponding to the completion of one set of activities and the start of the next. These stages are prophase, prometaphase, metaphase, telophase and anaphase. During the process of mitosis the pairs of chromosomes condense and attach to fibers that pull the sister chromatids to opposite sides of the cell. The cell then divides in cytokinesis, to produce two identical daughter cells.

Because cytokinesis usually occurs in conjunction with mitosis, "mitosis" is often used interchangeably with "mitotic phase". However, there are many cells where mitosis and cytokinesis occur separately, forming single cells with multiple nuclei. This occurs most notably among the fungi and slime moulds, but is found in various different groups. Even in animals, cytokinesis and mitosis may occur independently, for instance during certain stages of fruit fly embryonic development.[1] Errors in mitosis can either kill a cell through apoptosis or cause mutations that may lead to cancer. [[Image:Mitosis-flourescent.jpg|thumb|right|225px|A cell in late metaphase. All chromosomes (blue) but one have arrived at the metaphase plate.]]

Answer 2

Are you asking for the difference b/w mitosis and meiosis? Mitosis is cell division/replication for all cells except sex cells. You end up with 2 cells (one is a copy of the first). Sex cells replicate through meiosis, which produces 4 cells as an end result.

Answer 3

Okay, meiosis happens only [and underline only] with sex cells, ie. sperm and eggs. In this process, 46 pairs [diploid] of chromosomes become reduced to 23 pairs [haploid] of chromosomes by producing 4 different gametes (sex cells) that are not identical to each other, due to genetic variation.

Mitosis on the other hand happens to every single cell in our body, except sex cells. A cell duplicates its chromosomes and splits, forming 2 cells, each having identical DNA to each other, containing 46 chromosomes.

Finally, meiosis has to undergo 2 separate divisions to form 4 cells, whereas mitosis only undergoes 1.

MEIOSIS

1. You have 46 chromosomes; they replicate
2. Now you still have 46 chromosomes, but 92 chromatids; the replicated pair of a single chromosome is called a sister chromatid and is attached to its original by a centromere. Since you count the number of centromeres while counting DNA, you still have 46 chromosomes.
3. During metaphase 1, the homologous pairs (pair of chromosomes that are similar in shape and what not) line up and crossover, thus creating genetic varition.
4. During anaphase I, the homologous pair split.
5. Telophase I produces 2 cells, each having 46 chromosomes, but 92 chromatids.
6. Same process happens in the second meiotic division, however, crossing over cannot occur.
7. During anaphase II, the sister chromatids split. THIS IS WHERE THE CHROMOSOMES ARE REDUCED TO HALF.
8. Telophase II produces 4 cells, each having 23 chromosomes.

MITOSIS

1. You have 46 chromosomes; they replicate
2. Now you still have 46 chromosomes, but 92 chromatids
3. They undergo division
4. Two new cells are formed containing 46 chromosomes