What is the difference between mitosis and meiosis?
Quick answer
Mitosis is cell division that produces two genetically identical daughter cells, each with the same number of chromosomes as the parent (diploid → diploid). It is used for growth, repair and asexual reproduction.
Meiosis produces four genetically different daughter cells, each with half the chromosome number (diploid → haploid). It occurs in the formation of gametes (sperm and egg) and introduces genetic variation through crossing over and independent assortment.
In short: mitosis = 1 division, 2 identical diploid cells; meiosis = 2 divisions, 4 varied haploid cells.
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