What is the difference between mitosis and meiosis?

Mitosis and meiosis are both processes involved in cell division, but they have distinct differences in terms of their purpose and outcome.

Mitosis:

• Occurs in somatic cells
• Results in two identical daughter cells
• Consists of one round of cell division
• Chromosome number remains the same as the parent cell
• Plays a role in growth, repair, and asexual reproduction

Meiosis:

• Occurs in germ cells to produce gametes (eggs and sperm)
• Results in four genetically unique daughter cells
• Consists of two rounds of cell division
• Chromosome number is halved from the parent cell
• Creates genetic diversity through crossing over and independent assortment

Overall, mitosis is responsible for growth and repair in multicellular organisms, while meiosis is essential for sexual reproduction and generating genetic diversity within a population.