Comparing Mitosis vs. Meiosis

What is the purpose of Meiosis?

Meiosis produces the gametes or the “sex cells” such as sperm and eggs. Meiosis goes through two divisions, one in meiosis 1 and one in meiosis 2. In the end, it results in four cells and each cell only contains half of the genetic material.

What is the purpose of Mitosis?

The primary purpose of mitosis is to divide one cell nucleus into two  nuclei, distributing the duplicated DNA so that each daughter cell will receive the same complement of DNA thereby replicating more cells. Mitosis replenishes cells that are damaged from daily activities.

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Forms of Reproduction

Although both cycles reproduce cells, the form of reproduction  is different.

Asexual Reproduction: Mitosis

In this form of reproduction, a single cell makes 2 identical copies of itself. The DNA of the original(parent)  and its copies(daughters) will be the same, except when rare chances of mutations occur. They are basically clones. Asexual reproduction is carried out through mitosis.  Although animals can only replenish cell populations using mitosis, many plants species can reproduce complete offspring asexually.

Sexual Reproduction: Meiosis

Reproduction that requires a male and a female of the same species to contribute genetic material is considered sexual reproduction. The cells that are involved in sexual reproduction are called gametes(sperm,egg) which have half the number of chromosomes in each cell. Meiosis is responsible for generating 4 genetically different gametes for sexual reproduction. These genetically different gametes promotes genetic variation in populations so no single disease or infection will kill an entire population of organisms.

Gametes are also referred to as haploid cells because they contain half the DNA of normal cells found in the body. When Fertilization occurs, two gametes – one from a male and one from a female – combine, producing a diploid cell.

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Division Stages of Meiosis & Mitosis

Meiosis has more division stages than mitosis

Mitosis:Diploid Cells vs Meiosis:Haploid Cells

Mitosis and Meiosis differ in the number of division stages that occur. Mitosis goes through 1 division stage producing diploid cells while meiosis goes through 2 division stages produced haploid cells.

Meiosis I Stages: Interphase, Prophase I, Metaphase I, Anaphase I, Telophase I

Meiosis II Stages: Prophase II, Metaphase II, Anaphase II and Telophase II

Mitosis Stages: Interphase, Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase and Cytokinesis

[gn_note color=”#4fc30e”]NOTE: To learn about the stages in depth, visit Meiosis and Mitosis.[/gn_note]

Comparison Table

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