Differences Between Mitosis And Meiosis.Mitosis and meiosis are two different processes of cell division that occur in eukaryotic organisms. They have distinct purposes and result in different outcomes. Here’s a complete guide outlining 10 key differences between mitosis and meiosis:
Differences Between Mitosis And Meiosis.
- Purpose:
- Mitosis: The primary purpose of mitosis is to produce two identical daughter cells, each with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell. It is responsible for growth, development, tissue repair, and asexual reproduction in some organisms.
- Meiosis: Meiosis is involved in the production of gametes (sperm and egg cells) for sexual reproduction. It reduces the chromosome number by half and introduces genetic diversity among offspring.
- Number of Divisions:
- Mitosis: A single division occurs in mitosis, resulting in two daughter cells.
- Meiosis: Two sequential divisions occur in meiosis, resulting in four daughter cells.
- Chromosome Number:
- Mitosis: The chromosome number remains the same in the daughter cells as in the parent cell (diploid).
- Meiosis: The chromosome number is halved in the daughter cells compared to the parent cell (haploid).
- Genetic Variation:
- Mitosis: Genetic variation is limited since the daughter cells are genetically identical to the parent cell and to each other.
- Meiosis: Genetic variation is introduced through processes like crossing-over and independent assortment, leading to genetically diverse offspring.
- Synapsis and Crossing-Over:
- Mitosis: No synapsis or crossing-over occurs.
- Meiosis: Synapsis (pairing of homologous chromosomes) and crossing-over (exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes) occur during prophase I of meiosis.
- Daughter Cell Genetic Composition:
- Mitosis: Daughter cells are genetically identical to each other and to the parent cell.
- Meiosis: Daughter cells are genetically unique from each other and from the parent cell due to recombination and independent assortment.
- Number of Daughter Cells:
- Mitosis: Two daughter cells are produced.
- Meiosis: Four daughter cells are produced.
- Occurrence in the Body:
- Mitosis: Occurs in somatic (non-reproductive) cells.
- Meiosis: Occurs in germ cells (sperm and egg cells).
- Division Phases:
- Mitosis: The division process consists of prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
- Meiosis: Meiosis I includes prophase I, metaphase I, anaphase I, and telophase I; Meiosis II includes prophase II, metaphase II, anaphase II, and telophase II.
- Resulting Cells:
- Mitosis: Daughter cells are diploid (2n) and have the same chromosome number as the parent cell.
- Meiosis: Daughter cells are haploid (n) and have half the chromosome number of the parent cell.
Understanding these key differences between mitosis and meiosis is crucial to appreciate how cells divide, reproduce, and contribute to the diversity of life in sexually reproducing organisms.
