Describe the main differences between mitosis and meiosis

Number of cell divisions: there is 1 cell division in mitosis and 2 in meiosis. Daughter cells: mitosis produces 2 daughter cells genetically identical to each other and the parent cell, whereas meiosis produces 4 daughter cells genetically different to each other and the parent cells. Number of chromosomes in daughter cells compared to parent cell: this stays the same in mitosis, and is halved in meiosis. Homologous chromosomes pair to form bivalents in meiosis, but not in mitosis. Formation of chiasmata (and crossing over) can occur in prophase of meiosis.