What are the differences between mitosis and meiosis?

Mitosis and meiosis refer to the way cells reproduce. 
Mitosis sees the cell divide in two, forming two genetically identical diploid cells. The reproduction of cells means mitosis is used by the body for growth and repair. A good way to remember how many cells mitosis produces is the 'to' part in the middle - miTWOsis. 
Meiosis produces four haploid cells, genetically different from each other and the parent cell. This occurs over two rounds of division. The random assortment of chromosomes through the crossing of DNA during the division produces a diverse genetic diversity within these cells - which become gametes for sexual reproduction. 

CW
Answered by Chris W. Biology tutor

23589 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is the function of the nucleus in an animal cell?


What is an Extremophile?


Describe the course of blood through the heart and lungs, explaining how it becomes oxygenated.


What is a pathogen?


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