What's the difference between mitosis and meiosis?

Mitosis is the process somatic (normal body cells) use to divide. Two diploid (full set of chromosomes) daughter cells are produced from one diploid cell. In order for this to occur, the cell must replicate its entire genome before mitosis (this happens in S phase of the cell cycle). Mitosis is one stage of the cell cycle (the steps are G1, S, G2 then M). Mitosis is split into four stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase then telophase. 

Meiosis is the process to produce gametes (sex cells). Gametes are haploid (contain half a set of chromosomes) so meiosis starts with a diploid cell and produces 4 haploid daughter cells. Because 4 daughter cells are produced, meiosis involves 2 rounds of cell division (so prophase, metaphase, anaphase and telophase all occur twice). 

TK
Answered by Tavishi K. Biology tutor

3908 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe and explain the mechanism behind the specificity of enzyme reactions.


How are some plants able to fix gaseous nitrogen from the atmosphere?


Explain the primary, secondary and tertiary structure of proteins


Trypsin is a protease produced in an inactive form in some cells of the pancreas. Suggest the advantage of producing it in an inactive form?


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