Question

List the main differences between Meiosis and Mitosis.

Answer 1

Mitosis:

1. It is also called Equational division.
2. Mitosis is a type of cell division in which the parent cell divides into two daughter cells(each having the same number of chromosomes).

Meiosis:

1. It is also called Reductional division.
2. It is a type of cell division in which the parent cell undergoes two successive divisions to produce four daughter cells containing half the number of the parent cells.

Mitosis	Meiosis
1. It occurs in somatic cells.	1. It occurs in reproductive cells.
2. DNA replication is followed by a single nuclear division.	2. DNA replication is followed by two single nuclear divisions.
3. It produces two diploid daughter cells.	3. It produces four haploid daughter cells.
4. The daughter cells contain the same number as contained in the parent cell.	4. The daughter cells contain half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell.
5. Daughter cells are identical to the parent cell as well as to each other.	5. Daughter cells are neither identical to the parent cell nor to each other.
6. No crossing over takes place in Mitosis.	6. Crossing over takes place in meiosis.
7. It promotes the growth, repair, and replacement of body cells.	7. It promotes the production of sex cells only.