Mitosis is the process of cell division for the purpose of cell regeneration. A parent cell duplicates its DNA and separates into two daughter cells which are identical to the parent and have two sets of chromosomes (2n).

Meiosis is the process of cell division for the purpose of gamete production. A single parent cell duplicates its DNA and undergoes two cycles of division in order to produce four daughter cells, which are all unlike the parent cell. The products of meiosis only have one set of chromosomes (n).