Mitosis vs Meiosis (2024)

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Mitosis and meiosis are both processes by which cells reproduce, but there are distinct differences between the two. While new cells are generated during mitosis, meiosis is a special type of cell division that produces sex cells for reproduction. The two processes were discovered by different scientists. Meiosis was discovered by German biologist Oscar Hertwig while German physician Walther Flemming is credited with the discovery of mitosis.

Comparing mitosis and meiosis | Cells | MCAT | Khan Academy

The Purpose of the Reproduction

Only sexually reproductive organisms utilize meiosis. The role of the process is to produce sex cells and to repair genetic defects in germ line cells (the sex cells).

Both sexual and asexual organisms go through the process of mitosis. It happens in the cells of the body known as the somatic cells and produces cells related to growth and repair. Mitosis is essential for asexual reproduction, regeneration, and growth. It does not make sex cells or gametes.

Number of Daughter Cells

In meiosis, four haploid cells containing half the amount of chromosomes are produced at the end of the process.

Alternatively, two diploid cells, containing two sets of chromosomes, are produced as a result of mitosis.

Composition of the Daughter Cells

The daughter cells produced at the end of meiosis are completely different from the original parent cell and they include a mix of both the maternal and paternal genes, leading to genetic diversity during sexual reproduction.

The daughter cells created in mitosis are genetically the same as the original parent cell.

Phases of Reproduction of the Cells

Meiosis has two phases for the reproduction of cells which results in there being two cell divisions. The first phase includes prophase I - during which the most important events of meiosis occur, metaphase I, anaphase I, telophase I, and cytokinesis. During the second phase, these processes repeat again with the cells that were formed at the end of the first phase.

In mitosis, the cells divide only once and this is via one phase which includes steps such as prophase, prometaphase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase and cytokinesis.

Pairing of hom*ologues

Meiosis involves the pairing of hom*ologues, chromosomes similar to other chromosomes, whereas mitosis involves no pairing of hom*ologues.

Differences in Anaphase

During the anaphase of meiosis, the sister chromatids do not separate. In anaphase I, the chromosomes are double-stranded and in Anaphase II, they are single stranded.

During anaphase in mitosis, the sister chromatids do separate at the centromeres and the chromosomes are single stranded.

Differences in Telophase

In mitosis, the spindle fibres recede fully during telophase, but this is not the case with telophase I of meiosis. Also the nucleoli reappear in mitosis but not in meiosis.

Mixing of Chromosomes

In meiosis, the chromosomes cross over causing mixing. Mitosis, on the other hand, does not involve crossing over of the chromosomes.

References

Further Reading

Last Updated: Jul 22, 2023

Mitosis vs Meiosis (2)

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Deborah Fields

Deborah holds a B.Sc. degree in Chemistry from the University of Birmingham and a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism qualification from Cardiff University. She enjoys writing about the latest innovations. Previously she has worked as an editor of scientific patent information, an education journalist and in communications for innovative healthcare, pharmaceutical and technology organisations. She also loves books and has run a book group for several years. Her enjoyment of fiction extends to writing her own stories for pleasure.

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Mitosis vs Meiosis (2024)

FAQs

Mitosis vs Meiosis? ›

Mitosis is a type of cell division for somatic cells and for the asexual reproduction of unicellular eukaryotic cells. Meiosis is the type of cell division for the production of gametes in sexual reproduction.

What is difference between mitosis and meiosis? ›

What's the Difference? Mitosis produces two genetically identical “daughter” cells from a single “parent” cell, whereas meiosis produces cells that are genetically unique from the parent and contain only half as much DNA. Most cells in the body regularly go through mitosis, but some do so more often than others.

What is mitosis and meiosis difference stages? ›

In meiosis, prophase, metaphase, anaphase and telophase occur twice. The first round of division is special, but the second round is more like mitosis. In mitosis, prophase, metaphase, anaphase and telophase occur once. Chromosomes condense and the centrosomes begin to form an early spindle.

What is meiosis for dummies? ›

During meiosis one cell divides twice to form four daughter cells. These four daughter cells only have half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell – they are haploid. Meiosis produces our sex cells or gametes – egg and sperm cells.

What are 5 ways meiosis is different from mitosis? ›

The differences between mitosis and meiosis
MitosisMeiosis
• Maintenance of chromosome number (diploid)• Reduction/halving of chromosomes (haploid)
• Takes place in somatic cells/growth• Occurs in reproductive cells/gonads/produces gametes
• No crossing over/no variations• Crossing over takes place/variation occurs
4 more rows

Do humans use mitosis or meiosis? ›

All the somatic cells undergo mitosis. Germ cells undergo meiosis to produce gametes.

What is mitosis explained simply? ›

Mitosis is a process where a single cell divides into two identical daughter cells (cell division).

What are three key differences between mitosis and meiosis? ›

Mitosis consists of one stage whereas meiosis consists of two stages. Mitosis produces diploid cells (46 chromosomes) whereas meiosis produces haploid cells (23 chromosomes). Mitosis produces two identical daughter cells whereas meiosis produces four genetically different daughter cells.

What is mitosis for dummies? ›

Mitosis is a type of cell division in which one cell (the mother) divides to produce two new cells (the daughters) that are genetically identical to itself. In the context of the cell cycle, mitosis is the part of the division process in which the DNA of the cell's nucleus is split into two equal sets of chromosomes.

Is mitosis asexual? ›

Mitosis is a phase of the cell cycle in which a cell's nucleus is divided into two nuclei, each with an equal quantity of genetic material. It is an asexual reproductive process that occurs in unicellular organisms. Thus, mitosis is a type of cell division that occurs during the asexual reproduction process.

What is the difference between meiosis and mitosis for kids? ›

Meiosis is used to make sperm and egg cells. During meiosis, a cell's chromosomes are copied once, but the cell divides twice. During mitosis, the chromosomes are copied once, and the cell divides once.

What does mitosis make? ›

Mitosis is a way of making more cells that are genetically the same as the parent cell. It plays an important part in the development of embryos, and it is important for the growth and development of our bodies as well. Mitosis produces new cells, and replaces cells that are old, lost or damaged.

What is the goal of mitosis? ›

The main purpose of mitosis is to produce two daughter cells identical to the parent cell; so the number of chromosomes in the parent and daughter cells must be the same. Mitosis produces two diploid cells from one diploid cell. Thus, chromosome numbers must double before mitosis occurs.

Do you copy DNA mitosis or meiosis? ›

Figure 1 Meiosis and mitosis are both preceded by one round of DNA replication; however, meiosis includes two nuclear divisions. The four daughter cells resulting from meiosis are haploid and genetically distinct. The daughter cells resulting from mitosis are diploid and identical to the parent cell.

What are the 3 main differences between mitosis and meiosis? ›

Mitosis consists of one stage whereas meiosis consists of two stages. Mitosis produces diploid cells (46 chromosomes) whereas meiosis produces haploid cells (23 chromosomes). Mitosis produces two identical daughter cells whereas meiosis produces four genetically different daughter cells.

What is mitosis and meiosis in simple words? ›

Meiosis is the type of cell division that creates egg and sperm cells. Mitosis is a fundamental process for life. During mitosis, a cell duplicates all of its contents, including its chromosomes, and splits to form two identical daughter cells.

What is the difference between mitosis and meiosis quizlet? ›

What are the principal differences between mitosis and meiosis? Mitosis results in the production of two genetically identical diploid cells, whereas meiosis produces four genetically different haploid cells.

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