Differences between Meiosis and Mitosis
Meiosis vs. Mitosis
Mitosis and meiosis are two types of cell division in eukaryotic cells. Mitosis is a process where a single cell divides into two identical daughter cells.[1] This process is essential for growth, development, and tissue repair.[2][3][4] Meiosis is a specialized type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, creating four haploid cells, each genetically distinct from the parent cell and from each other.[5] Meiosis is necessary for sexual reproduction.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Mitosis | Meiosis |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Cell proliferation, growth, repair, and asexual reproduction[1][2][4] | Sexual reproduction; production of gametes (sperm and eggs) |
| Number of Divisions | One[1] | Two (Meiosis I and Meiosis II) |
| Daughter Cells Produced | Two diploid (2n) cells, genetically identical to the parent cell[1] | Four haploid (n) cells, genetically different from the parent cell and each other[5] |
| Chromosome Number | Remains the same as the parent cell (diploid, 2n)[2] | Halved from the parent cell (haploid, n) |
| Genetic Variation | No genetic variation is introduced | Genetic variation is introduced through crossing over and independent assortment |
| Pairing of Homologous Chromosomes | Does not occur | Occurs during Prophase I |
| Crossing Over | Does not occur | Occurs during Prophase I between homologous chromosomes |
| Anaphase Events | Sister chromatids separate | Homologous chromosomes separate during Anaphase I; sister chromatids separate during Anaphase II |
Stages
Both mitosis and meiosis are preceded by an interphase period where the cell grows and replicates its DNA.[2][5] The division process itself is divided into stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
In mitosis, these four stages occur once. During prophase, the chromosomes condense. At metaphase, the chromosomes align at the center of the cell. In anaphase, the sister chromatids are pulled to opposite poles. Finally, in telophase, two new nuclei form, followed by cytokinesis, the division of the cytoplasm, to create two separate cells.[1]
Meiosis consists of two rounds of these stages, termed Meiosis I and Meiosis II. Meiosis I is a reductional division where homologous chromosomes pair up and exchange genetic material (crossing over) during prophase I. The homologous pairs then separate during anaphase I. This results in two haploid cells. Meiosis II is an equational division, similar to mitosis, where the sister chromatids of the chromosomes in the two haploid cells separate during anaphase II. This second division results in a total of four haploid daughter cells.
Genetic Diversity
A key distinction between the two processes is their effect on genetic diversity. Mitosis produces genetically identical cells, which is important for maintaining the genetic integrity of an organism's tissues.[3] In contrast, meiosis introduces genetic variation in two main ways. First, during prophase I, the process of "crossing over" results in the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes, creating new combinations of genes. Second, the random orientation of homologous pairs at the metaphase I plate, known as independent assortment, leads to various combinations of paternal and maternal chromosomes in the resulting gametes.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 "yourgenome.org". Retrieved December 11, 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "yourgenome.org". Retrieved December 11, 2025.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "wikipedia.org". Retrieved December 11, 2025.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "longdom.org". Retrieved December 11, 2025.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 "aatbio.com". Retrieved December 11, 2025.
