The beginning of both of these cell activities are very similar with the 23 pairs (46) chromosomes replicating resulting in 2 sister chromatids. At this point when the spindle fibres attach is when the processes differ. Mitosis: The spindle fibres contract pulling the two sister chromatids apart. Telophase occurs and the result is 2 identical cells. Meiosis: The spindle fibres pull half of the homologous chromosomes with the paired chromatids into each side and form new cells. These cells then form new spindles which seperate the sister chromatids, resulting in 4 cells with 23 chromosomes of which there are 2 sets of identical cells.