3.3.2

Mitosis vs Meiosis

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Meiosis vs Mitosis

Meiosis and mitosis are two important processes involved in cell division. The chromosomes segregate in similar ways in both divisions, but there are some key differences:

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

Jump to other topics

1Cell Biology

2Molecular Biology

3Genetics

4Ecology

5Evolution & Biodiversity

6Human Physiology

7AHL: Nucleic Acids

8AHL: Metabolism, Cell Respiration & Photosynthesis

9AHL: Plant Biology

9.1Transport in the Xylem of Plants

9.2Transport in the Phloem of Plants

9.3Growth in Plants

10AHL: Genetics & Evolution

11AHL: Animal Physiology

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