Mitosis and meiosis are both processes of cell division, but they serve different purposes and result in different types of cells. Mitosis results in two genetically identical diploid cells, while meiosis produces four genetically diverse haploid cells.
During mitosis, a single cell divides to form two daughter cells with the same number of chromosomes as the original cell. This process is essential for growth, repair, and asexual reproduction. In contrast, meiosis occurs in organisms that reproduce sexually. It reduces the chromosome number by half, leading to the creation of gametes (sperm and egg cells) that each contain only one set of chromosomes.
The key distinction lies in the end products: mitosis maintains the chromosome number, producing two identical cells, whereas meiosis halves the chromosome number, resulting in four unique haploid cells. Understanding these differences is crucial for grasping topics related to genetics and reproduction.