Final answer:
Cells produced by meiosis are four haploid cells with genetic variations due to crossing-over, unlike mitosis which produces two genetically identical diploid cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
During meiosis, a cell undergoes two divisions resulting in four haploid cells that are genetically different from each other. This contrasts with mitosis, which leads to the production of two diploid cells that are genetically identical to the original parent cell. The key difference is the process of crossing-over during meiosis, which occurs during prophase I and leads to genetic recombination, and the second-round division in meiosis that further ensures that the daughter cells have half the number of chromosomes compared to the parent cell.
Furthermore, meiosis is instrumental for sexual reproduction, providing genetic diversity through the combination of genetic material from two parents. This genetic variation is a major advantage of sexual reproduction over asexual reproduction, which is facilitated by mitosis.