Mitosis

* What it is: Cell division that produces two identical daughter cells from a single parent cell.

* Purpose: Growth, repair, and asexual reproduction.

* Involves:

* Replication of DNA (chromosomes)

* Formation of a spindle apparatus

* Separation of chromosomes into two new nuclei

* Division of the cytoplasm (cytokinesis)

* Where it occurs: In all living organisms, specifically in somatic cells (non-sex cells).

Osmosis

* What it is: The movement of water molecules across a semi-permeable membrane from a region of high water concentration to a region of low water concentration.

* Purpose: Maintain cell volume, transport nutrients, and remove waste products.

* Involves:

* Water molecules passing through a selectively permeable membrane.

* Driven by the difference in water potential (concentration of water molecules) between two solutions.

* Where it occurs: Across cell membranes, in the digestive system, in plants (uptake of water from the roots).

In short:

* Mitosis is cell division, while osmosis is the movement of water.

* Mitosis involves the duplication of chromosomes, while osmosis involves the movement of water molecules.

* Mitosis is essential for growth and repair, while osmosis is essential for cell function and maintaining balance.