What is the difference between mitosis and meiosis?

Mitosis and meiosis are both types of cell division.Cells that divide by mitosis produce 2 identical daughter cells - these cells have the same number of chromosomes. These cells are important for growth and repair (because they are exactly the same as the cells they replace).Cells that divide by meiosis produce 4 daughter cells - these cells have half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell did. These cells are important for reproduction, otherwise gametes would contain the same number of chromosomes as a parent cell and this would double the number of chromosomes across each generation when fertilisation occurs.

Answered by Abbey B. Biology tutor

2245 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How does photosynthesis lead to plant growth?


How are the human lungs specialised for gas exchange?


Give examples which show how red blood cells are able to transport oxygen around the body efficiently


How does the body respond to increased body temperature in order to maintain homeostasis and why is this an important mechanism ?


We're here to help

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

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences