What are the distinguishing features of meiosis and mitosis?

During mitosis, a diploid cell divides to create two identical diploid cells after the chromatids separate.

Meiosis: a diploid cell divides to create haploid cells; homologs split apart.

Meiosis: Two cell divisions, four haploid daughter cells, genetic diversity, homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material during crossing-over.

Mitosis: One cell division, two diploid daughter cells, genetic identicality, no crossing-over of genetic material between homologous chromosomes.

The distinguishing features of meiosis and mitosis are as follows:

1. Purpose:

   • Meiosis: Meiosis is a type of cell division that occurs in sexually reproducing organisms. Its primary purpose is to produce gametes (sperm and egg cells) with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell, necessary for sexual reproduction.
   • Mitosis: Mitosis is a process of cell division that occurs in both sexually and asexually reproducing organisms. Its primary purpose is to produce two genetically identical daughter cells from a single parent cell, necessary for growth, repair, and asexual reproduction.

2. Number of Divisions:

   • Meiosis: Meiosis involves two rounds of cell division, known as meiosis I and meiosis II, resulting in the formation of four haploid daughter cells.
   • Mitosis: Mitosis involves only one round of cell division, resulting in the formation of two diploid daughter cells that are genetically identical to the parent cell.

3. Chromosome Number:

   • Meiosis: Meiosis reduces the chromosome number by half. It begins with a diploid parent cell (2n) and produces haploid daughter cells (n).
   • Mitosis: Mitosis maintains the chromosome number. It begins with a diploid parent cell (2n) and produces diploid daughter cells (2n), identical to the parent cell.

4. Genetic Variation:

   • Meiosis: Meiosis generates genetic variation through crossing over, independent assortment of chromosomes during meiosis I, and random fertilization during sexual reproduction.
   • Mitosis: Mitosis does not generate genetic variation among daughter cells since the daughter cells are genetically identical to the parent cell.

5. Occurrence:

   • Meiosis: Meiosis occurs in specialized cells called germ cells (sperm and egg cells) in sexually reproducing organisms.
   • Mitosis: Mitosis occurs in somatic cells (body cells) of both multicellular and unicellular organisms for growth, development, and tissue repair.

These distinguishing features highlight the differences between meiosis and mitosis in terms of purpose, number of divisions, chromosome number, genetic variation, and occurrence within organisms.