Mitosis and meiosis are two types of cell division that serve different purposes in organisms. Here are the main differences between them:
Purpose:
- Mitosis: Primarily responsible for growth, repair, and asexual reproduction in organisms. It produces two identical daughter cells.
- Meiosis: Specialized for sexual reproduction. It produces gametes (sperm and eggs) and results in four genetically diverse daughter cells.
Number of Divisions:
- Mitosis: Involves one round of division (prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase).
- Meiosis: Consists of two rounds of division (Meiosis I and Meiosis II), which includes stages similar to mitosis.
Chromosome Number:
- Mitosis: Maintains the same chromosome number as the original cell (diploid to diploid or haploid to haploid).
- Meiosis: Reduces the chromosome number by half (diploid to haploid), resulting in cells that carry only one set of chromosomes.
Genetic Variation:
- Mitosis: Produces genetically identical daughter cells (clones) unless mutations occur.
- Meiosis: Introduces genetic variation through processes like crossing over (homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material) and independent assortment (random distribution of chromosomes to gametes).
Number of Daughter Cells:
- Mitosis: Produces two daughter cells.
- Meiosis: Produces four daughter cells.
Stages of Division:
- Mitosis: Consists of one set of phases (prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase).
- Meiosis: Involves two sets of phases:
- Meiosis I: Homologous chromosomes pair up and separate.
- Meiosis II: Sister chromatids separate, similar to mitosis.
Crossing Over:
- Mitosis: There is no crossing over or pairing of homologous chromosomes.
- Meiosis: Crossing over occurs during prophase I, contributing to genetic diversity.
Role in Organisms:
- Mitosis: Affects somatic (body) cells.
- Meiosis: Affects gametes and is crucial for sexual reproduction.
These differences are fundamental for understanding how organisms grow, repair tissues, and reproduce.
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