Final answer:
The main purpose of mitosis is to produce diploid somatic cells while meiosis produces haploid gametes for sexual reproduction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main purpose for both mitosis and meiosis is to produce new cells, but they have different outcomes. Mitosis produces diploid somatic cells, which are identical to the parent cell, and is responsible for growth and tissue repair. On the other hand, meiosis produces haploid gametes, which have half the DNA of the parent cell, and is involved in sexual reproduction. When gametes from two individuals unite, they create a unique organism with a correct amount of DNA.