Biology
Mitosis vs meiosis — quick study summary
Mitosis and meiosis are both forms of cell division but serve different purposes. Mitosis produces two genetically identical diploid daughter cells for growth and tissue repair. Meiosis produces four genetically unique haploid gametes for sexual reproduction. Meiosis includes a crossing-over step (prophase I) that shuffles parental DNA, which is why siblings differ.
Key points
- Mitosis: 1 division → 2 identical diploid cells (2n)
- Meiosis: 2 divisions → 4 unique haploid cells (n)
- Mitosis stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase + cytokinesis
- Meiosis I separates homologous chromosomes; meiosis II separates sister chromatids
- Crossing over in prophase I creates genetic variation — exam favourite
- Mitosis happens in somatic (body) cells; meiosis only in germline cells
Practice quiz
Click each question to reveal the answer.
1. How many daughter cells does one mitotic division produce?
- One
- Two
- Three
- Four
Answer: Two
One parent cell divides once to produce two identical diploid daughter cells.
2. In which phase of meiosis does crossing over occur?
Answer: Prophase I
Homologous chromosomes pair up and swap genetic material during prophase I.
3. Are the daughter cells of meiosis haploid or diploid?
Answer: Haploid
Meiosis halves the chromosome number from 2n to n so fertilisation restores the diploid count.
4. Which type of cell division is used for tissue repair after a cut?
Answer: Mitosis
Mitosis produces identical body cells needed for growth and repair.
Last reviewed: May 2026