What's the difference between meiosis and mitosis?

They are both cell divisions but there are major differences betwenn them. First of all, meiosis only happens in sex cells (egg cells in women and sperm cells in men) and is a reduction diviosion, i.e. the amount of genetic material halves while it stays the same in mitosis. The reason for this is that the amount of genetic material must pe preserved in each generation (meioisis ensures it doesn't double with each generation).

Also, there are two divisions in meiosis yeilding 4 daughter cells and just one in mitosis producing 2 cell.

MT
Answered by Magdalena T. Biology tutor

4505 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

During sampling, discuss the principles and strategies that should be employed in the collection of representative samples.


What is the role of mitochondria in animal cells?


Explain what the stages of protein folding are and how the protein is held in its 3D shape


What are the components and function of the autonomic nervous system in the human body?


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