Difference Between Mitosis and Meiosis: Both mitosis and meiosis are processes of cell division. However, they differ in many aspects. Here mitosis is against meiosis.
Saumya Updated: September 22, 2023 at 5:11 PM IST
Know the difference between mitosis and meiosis in detail
The human body consists of billions of cells. These cells grow and divide through a process called cell division. There are two types of cell division: mitosis and meiosis. Mitosis is a type of cell division that occurs in somatic cells, resulting in two identical daughter cells with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell. Meiosis, on the other hand, is a specialized type of cell division that occurs in reproductive cells, resulting in four non-identical daughter cells with half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell.
Let’s understand the difference between mitosis and meiosis.
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3 differences between mitosis and meiosis
- One key difference between mitosis and meiosis is the purpose of each process. Mitosis is primarily responsible for growth, repair and asexual reproduction, while meiosis is specifically designed for sexual reproduction and gamete production.
- Another critical difference is the number of splits that occur. Mitosis involves only one division, resulting in two daughter cells, while meiosis involves two divisions, resulting in four daughter cells.
- In terms of genetic variation, mitosis produces genetically identical daughter cells, while meiosis produces genetically different daughter cells through the process of genetic recombination. This genetic recombination occurs during meiosis I, where homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material, leading to new combinations of genes in the resulting gametes. This variation is essential for the survival and adaptation of species in changing environments.
Mitosis vs. Meiosis: What’s the Difference?
Mitosis | Meiosis |
It produces genetically identical daughter cells. | Through genetic recombination, it creates genetically different daughter cells. |
Occurs in somatic cells for growth, repair and asexual reproduction. | Occurs in germ cells for sexual reproduction. |
It consists of one round of cell division. | It consists of two rounds of cell division. |
There is no pairing or exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes. | Homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material. |
In summary, both mitosis and meiosis are cell division processes that play a key role in the growth, development, and reproduction of organisms. While mitosis creates genetically identical daughter cells for somatic cell functions such as growth and repair, meiosis creates genetically different daughter cells through genetic recombination for sexual reproduction.
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Source: vcmp.edu.vn