Final answer:
Mitosis and meiosis are both forms of cell division. Mitosis results in two genetically identical diploid cells, while meiosis results in four genetically distinct haploid cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mitosis and meiosis are both processes of cell division that occur in eukaryotic cells and are preceded by one round of DNA replication. However, they differ significantly in their purpose and outcome. Mitosis involves a single nuclear division, resulting in two daughter cells that are diploid and genetically identical to the parent cell. In contrast, meiosis involves two nuclear divisions and results in four daughter cells that are haploid and genetically distinct from one another and the parent cell. While both processes involve stages such as metaphase and telophase that are comparable, the meiotic process also includes unique events such as anaphase I, leading to a halving of chromosome numbers.