What is the difference between mitosis and meiosis?
Short answer
Mitosis produces two genetically identical diploid cells and is used for growth and repair. Meiosis produces four genetically different haploid cells (gametes such as sperm and eggs) with half the number of chromosomes, and is used for sexual reproduction. Mitosis involves one division; meiosis involves two.
Step by step
- Mitosis: one division, two daughter cells, same chromosome number as the parent (46 in humans).
- Meiosis: two divisions, four daughter cells, half the chromosome number (23 in humans).
- Mitosis gives identical cells; meiosis gives variation through crossing over and independent assortment.
- Mitosis happens in body cells all over the body; meiosis happens only in the reproductive organs.
Worked example
Quick comparison
- Purpose: growth and repair (mitosis) or making gametes (meiosis)
- Number of divisions: 1 or 2
- Daughter cells: 2 diploid or 4 haploid
- Genetically identical: yes or no
Common mistakes
- Saying meiosis produces two cells.
- Confusing haploid (one set of chromosomes) with diploid (two sets).
- Forgetting that DNA replicates before both types of division.
Useful for:GCSEA LevelWAECMatricBac
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