Differences Between Mitosis and Meiosis

There are two types of cell division, mitosis and meiosis. They both have similarities and differences, which are explained below.

Process
- Mitosis: The process of a cell dividing into two identical daughter cells.
- Meiosis: The process of a cell dividing into four genetically diverse haploid daughter cells.

Occurrence
- Mitosis: It occurs in all body cells except for sex cells.
- Meiosis: It occurs only in sex cells (gametes) to produce haploid daughter cells.

Number of Cell Divisions
- Mitosis: One division.
- Meiosis: Two divisions.

Number of Daughter Cells Produced
- Mitosis: Two identical daughter cells.
- Meiosis: Four genetically diverse haploid daughter cells.

Chromosome Number
- Mitosis: The chromosome number remains the same in daughter cells (diploid).
- Meiosis: The chromosome number is halved in daughter cells (haploid).

Genetic Diversity
- Mitosis: Daughter cells are genetically identical to parent cell.
- Meiosis: Daughter cells are genetically diverse due to crossing over and independent assortment.

Function
- Mitosis: It is involved in growth, development, and repair of tissues.
- Meiosis: It is involved in sexual reproduction to produce gametes.

In conclusion, mitosis and meiosis are two different processes of cell division with distinct differences in their occurrence, number of cell divisions, number of daughter cells produced, chromosome number, genetic diversity, and function.