Mitosis vs Meiosis: The Difference, Explained Simply
Cells divide for two very different reasons, and biology has a process for each. Mixing them up is one of the most common exam mistakes, so here is a clean comparison.
Mitosis: growth and repair
Mitosis makes two identical daughter cells from one parent cell. Your body uses it to grow and to replace worn-out or damaged cells. Each new cell has the same number of chromosomes as the original.
Meiosis: making sex cells
Meiosis makes four cells, each with half the number of chromosomes. These become sex cells (eggs and sperm). When two combine during reproduction, the full chromosome number is restored — and the offspring is genetically unique.
The differences at a glance
Remember these and you can answer most questions on the topic.
- •Mitosis: 1 division, 2 cells, identical, used for growth and repair.
- •Meiosis: 2 divisions, 4 cells, genetically varied, makes sex cells.
- •Mitosis keeps the chromosome number the same; meiosis halves it.
Frequently asked questions
How many cells does meiosis produce?
Four cells, each with half the chromosomes of the parent cell.
What is mitosis used for?
Growth and repair — making new identical cells to replace old or damaged ones.