4.3.4

Meiosis vs Mitosis

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Meiosis vs Mitosis

Meiosis and mitosis are two important processes involved in cell division. The differences between meiosis and mitosis are:

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Number of cells

  • Meiosis produces four cells.
  • Mitosis produces two cells.
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Number of chromosomes

  • Meiosis produces haploid cells. The number of chromosomes in the daughter cells is half the number in the parent cells.
    • E.g. Meiosis in humans produces cells with 23 chromosomes.
  • Mitosis produces diploid cells. The number of chromosomes in the daughter cells is the same as the parent cells.
    • E.g. Mitosis in humans produces cells with 46 chromosomes.
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Genetic variation

  • Meiosis produces genetically different daughter cells.
  • Mitosis produces genetically identical daughter cells.
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Products

  • Meiosis only produces gametes (sex cells).
  • Mitosis allows the replication of every body cell.

Jump to other topics

1Biological Molecules

2Cells

3Substance Exchange

4Genetic Information & Variation

5Energy Transfers (A2 only)

6Responding to Change (A2 only)

7Genetics & Ecosystems (A2 only)

8The Control of Gene Expression (A2 only)

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