Mitosis
* Purpose: Growth, repair, and asexual reproduction.
* Starting cells: Diploid (2n), meaning they have two sets of chromosomes.
* Number of divisions: One division.
* Daughter cells: Two daughter cells produced, each identical to the parent cell (also diploid).
* Chromosomes: Chromosomes are duplicated, then separated into two equal sets. No crossing over occurs.
Meiosis
* Purpose: Sexual reproduction.
* Starting cells: Diploid (2n).
* Number of divisions: Two divisions (Meiosis I and Meiosis II).
* Daughter cells: Four daughter cells produced, each haploid (n), meaning they have one set of chromosomes. They are genetically different from the parent cell and from each other.
* Chromosomes: Chromosomes are duplicated, then homologous pairs exchange genetic material (crossing over). Homologous pairs then separate, followed by sister chromatids separating in Meiosis II.
Key Differences in a Table
| Feature | Mitosis | Meiosis |
|-----------------|----------------------|-----------------------|
| Purpose | Growth, repair, asexual reproduction | Sexual reproduction |
| Starting cells | Diploid (2n) | Diploid (2n) |
| Divisions | One | Two (Meiosis I & II) |
| Daughter cells | Two, diploid (2n) | Four, haploid (n) |
| Genetic variation | None | Significant |
In essence: Mitosis produces identical copies of cells, while meiosis produces genetically diverse cells with half the number of chromosomes, essential for sexual reproduction.
