What is the difference between meiosis and mitosis?

Function: Mitosis is used in the replication of body cells. It occurs every day to replace cells that have died or have been damaged, for growth and also in asexual reproduction. Meiosis is used to produce gametes, which are the same as sex cells; male sperm cells and female egg cells. Number of cells produced: In mitosis, 2 cells are produced from one cell. In meiosis, 4 cells are produced from one cell. Haploid/ diploid cells: Mitosis produces diploid cells; each has 46 chromosomes in it. Meiosis produces haploid cells; each has a 23 choromosomes in it. Identical/ non-identical: Mitosis produces genetically identical cells to replace cells that have been lost in the body, for growth or asexual reproduction and so the cells produced need to be the same. Meiosis produces four non-identical cells.

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