🧬 Mitosis: Definition
Mitosis is a type of cell division that results in two daughter cells each having the same number and kind of chromosomes as the parent nucleus, typical of ordinary tissue growth.
🧪 Meiosis: Definition
Meiosis is a type of cell division that results in four daughter cells each with half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell, as in the production of gametes and plant spores.
🔬 Mitosis vs. Meiosis: A Detailed Comparison
| Feature |
Mitosis |
Meiosis |
| Purpose |
Cellular reproduction, growth, and repair |
Sexual reproduction |
| Type of Cells |
Somatic (body) cells |
Germ cells (producing gametes) |
| Number of Divisions |
One |
Two (Meiosis I and Meiosis II) |
| Number of Daughter Cells |
Two |
Four |
| Chromosome Number |
Maintained (diploid, 2n) |
Halved (haploid, n) |
| Genetic Variation |
No (except for rare mutations) |
Yes (through crossing over and independent assortment) |
| Pairing of Homologous Chromosomes |
No |
Yes (during Prophase I) |
| Crossing Over |
No |
Yes (during Prophase I) |
| Daughter Cells Genetically |
Identical |
Different |
| Stages |
Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase |
Prophase I, Metaphase I, Anaphase I, Telophase I, Prophase II, Metaphase II, Anaphase II, Telophase II |
💡 Key Takeaways
- 🎯 Mitosis: 🧪 Creates identical cells for growth and repair, maintaining the chromosome number.
- 🌱 Meiosis: 🧬 Produces genetically diverse gametes with half the chromosome number for sexual reproduction.
- 📚 Main Difference: 🔬 Mitosis involves one division, while meiosis involves two, leading to different outcomes in terms of chromosome number and genetic variation.