The difference between mitosis and meiosis

Full Answer Section

• Meiosis:
  • Meiosis is a process of cell division that results in four daughter cells, each with half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell.  
  • It occurs in germ cells (cells that develop into sperm or egg cells).  
• Purpose:
  • Production of gametes (sperm and egg cells) for sexual reproduction.  
  • Introduction of genetic variation through crossing over and independent assortment.  

3. Key Differences Between the Two Processes:

Here's a comparison of mitosis and meiosis:

• Number of Daughter Cells:
  • Mitosis: Two daughter cells.  
  • Meiosis: Four daughter cells.  
• Chromosome Number:
  • Mitosis: Daughter cells are diploid (2n), meaning they have the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell.  
  • Meiosis: Daughter cells are haploid (n), meaning they have half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell.  
• Genetic Variation:
  • Mitosis: Daughter cells are genetically identical to the parent cell.  
  • Meiosis: Daughter cells are genetically different from the parent cell and from each other due to crossing over and independent assortment.  
• Purpose:
  • Mitosis: Growth, repair, asexual reproduction.  
  • Meiosis: Production of gametes for sexual reproduction.  
• Number of Divisions:
  • Mitosis: One division.  
  • Meiosis: Two divisions.  

4. Why Meiosis is Important for Reproduction:

• Meiosis is essential for sexual reproduction because it produces haploid gametes. When a sperm and egg cell fuse during fertilization, the resulting zygote is diploid, restoring the original chromosome number.  
• Meiosis also introduces genetic variation through:
  • Crossing over: The exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes.
  • Independent assortment: The random alignment of homologous chromosomes during meiosis I.
• This genetic variation is crucial for evolution and adaptation.

5. Simple Diagram/Chart Comparing Both:

Here's a simplified comparison:

Sample Answer

It's important to understand the fundamental differences between mitosis and meiosis, as they are crucial processes in biology. Here's a breakdown:

1. What is Mitosis and What is its Purpose?

• Mitosis:
  • Mitosis is a process of cell division that results in two daughter cells that are genetically identical to the parent cell.  
  • It occurs in somatic cells (any cell other than a sperm or egg cell).  
• Purpose:
  • Growth and development of an organism.  
  • Repair of damaged tissues.  
  • Asexual reproduction in some organisms.  

2. What is Meiosis and What is its Purpose?