What's the difference between mitosis and meiosis?

Mitosis is the process somatic (normal body cells) use to divide. Two diploid (full set of chromosomes) daughter cells are produced from one diploid cell. In order for this to occur, the cell must replicate its entire genome before mitosis (this happens in S phase of the cell cycle). Mitosis is one stage of the cell cycle (the steps are G1, S, G2 then M). Mitosis is split into four stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase then telophase. 

Meiosis is the process to produce gametes (sex cells). Gametes are haploid (contain half a set of chromosomes) so meiosis starts with a diploid cell and produces 4 haploid daughter cells. Because 4 daughter cells are produced, meiosis involves 2 rounds of cell division (so prophase, metaphase, anaphase and telophase all occur twice). 

Answered by Tavishi K. Biology tutor

3039 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain why an enzyme catalyses only one reaction.


How does deforestation lead to reduced soil fertility?


How is DNA replicated?


How can high absorption of salt fro the diet leading to high salt concentration in local capillaries lead to build-up of tissue fluid?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences