Explain the differences between meiosis and mitosis

Mitosis is asexual reproduction that produces 2 identical daughter cells via 1 cell division, whereas meiosis is sexual reproduction that produces 4 non-identical gametes via 2 cell divisions. Meiosis occurs in ovaries or testes and gametes contain 23 chromosomes, half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell, therefore gametes are known as haploid cells. Mitosis occurs in all other cells for growth and contains the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell, 46, so the daughter cells are diploid cells.

CP
Answered by Chloe P. Biology tutor

3014 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What's the difference between cell division and cell differentiation?


A scientist discovers a diseased tomato plant where a disease has caused discolouration in the leaves due to a decrease in chlorophyll. Explain why this tomato plant produces far less tomatoes and is much smaller than a healthy tomato plant.


What is natural selection?


Which enzymes are involved in digestion?


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