Explain, with a digram, the difference between meiosis and mitosis

Meiosis produces 4 daughter cells from the original parent cell. These cells are haploid cells- they have half the number of chromosomes that the parent cell, and the process creates gametes for sexual reproduction. The process involves the parent cell copying its chromosomes, it divides to produce two daughter cells, these daughter cells divide again to produce 4 cells. There is also the process crossing over of sections of chromosomes during the production of four daughter cells- these sections are exchanged where the chromosomes are attached at the chiasma.Mitosis is the division of cells to produce two daughter cells which have the same number of chromosomes as the daughter cell, known as haploid cells. DNA replication occurs, the chromosomes line up in homologous pairs, centromeres attached to the chromosomes divide and separate the copied DNA so each daughter cell has the same number of chromosomes. This process is involved in growth and asexual reproduction.

HT
Answered by Heather T. Biology tutor

2884 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

How is ATP generated via the electron transport chain?


How are red blood cells well adapted to their function?


what is co-dominance?


Cholera causes an influx of Chloride ions into the lumen of the bowel. How would this cause diarrhoea?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning