What are the differences between mitosis and meiosis?

What are the differences between mitosis and meiosis?

Mitosis and meiosis are both processes of cell division, but they serve different purposes. Mitosis results in two identical daughter cells, while meiosis produces four genetically diverse gametes. Would you like to know more about each process?

Yes, can you explain the stages of each process?

Sure! Mitosis has four main stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. Meiosis consists of two rounds of division: meiosis I and meiosis II, each with similar stages. Would you like details on any specific stage?

What is the significance of meiosis in sexual reproduction?

Meiosis is crucial for sexual reproduction as it reduces the chromosome number by half, ensuring that offspring have the correct number of chromosomes when gametes fuse during fertilization.

Can you summarize the key differences in a table format?

Absolutely! Here’s a simple comparison:

| Feature | Mitosis | Meiosis | |----------------------|-----------------------------|-----------------------------| | Number of Divisions | 1 | 2 | | Number of Cells | 2 (identical) | 4 (genetically diverse) | | Chromosome Number | Maintained | Halved | | Purpose | Growth and repair | Sexual reproduction |