The human body is made up 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. On the other hand, meiosis 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 as the parent cell.
Let’s understand what mitosis and meiosis are and then study the differences between mitosis and meiosis.
What is Mitosis?
Mitosis is a process of cell division in which one cell divides into two identical daughter cells. In this process, each daughter cell receives the full set of chromosomes from the parent cell. Mitosis is essential for the growth of cells in the body, and it plays a vital role in the replacement of worn-out cells in the body. Mitosis is a form of asexual reproduction.
What is Meiosis?
Meiosis is the second type of cell division in which a cell divides twice to form four different daughter cells. It occurs only in the germ cells or reproductive cells.
Difference Between Mitosis and Meiosis
The following are some of the key differences between mitosis and meiosis.
| Parameter | Mitosis | Meiosis |
| Number of Cells | Mitosis produces two genetically identical daughter cells. | Meiosis produces four genetically different daughter cells. |
| Ploidy | Mitosis results in diploid cells | Meiosis results in haploid cells. |
| Occurrence | Mitosis occurs in somatic cells for growth, repair, and asexual reproduction. | Meiosis: Meiosis only takes place in the reproductive cells. |
| How many cell divisions? | Only one cell division is possible | Meiosis involves two simultaneous cell divisions. |
| Exchange of Chromosome | There is no pairing or exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes. | Homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material. |
| Mode of Reproduction | Asexual reproduction | Sexual reproduction |
To sum up, both mitosis and meiosis are processes of cell division that play crucial roles in the growth, development, and reproduction of organisms. While mitosis generates genetically identical daughter cells for somatic cell functions such as growth and repair, meiosis generates genetically diverse daughter cells through genetic recombination for sexual reproduction.
Recommended Reading
What is the Difference Between Shrimp and Prawn? Know 5 Key Dissimilarities.
What is the Difference Between Hotel And Motel? Know the 5 Key Dissimilarities
Comments
All Comments (0)
Join the conversation