Mitosis and meiosis are two distinct processes of cell division, and they produce different types of cells with varying characteristics.
Mitosis:
- Products: Mitosis results in two genetically identical daughter cells.
- Chromosome Number: The daughter cells have the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell (diploid in organisms that are diploid, haploid in haploid organisms).
- Purpose: The main functions of mitosis include growth, tissue repair, and asexual reproduction in unicellular organisms.
Meiosis:
- Products: Meiosis results in four genetically diverse daughter cells.
- Chromosome Number: Each daughter cell has half the number of chromosomes compared to the parent cell (haploid), which is crucial for sexual reproduction.
- Purpose: Meiosis primarily serves to produce gametes (sperm and eggs) for sexual reproduction, contributing to genetic diversity through processes like crossing over and independent assortment.
In summary, while mitosis produces two identical diploid cells for growth and repair, meiosis produces four diverse haploid cells for reproduction.
1 answer