Final answer:
Mitosis divides a cell to produce two identical daughter cells for growth, repair, or asexual reproduction, while meiosis creates gametes with half the usual DNA for sexual reproduction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The purpose of cell division varies depending on whether the process is mitosis or meiosis. Mitosis is the process by which a cell divides to produce two new cells that are genetically identical to the original cell. This process is crucial for the growth, repair, and, in some cases, asexual reproduction of an organism.
On the other hand, meiosis is responsible for producing gametes, which are the reproductive cells like sperm and eggs. These cells contain half the amount of DNA as the parent cell.
This reduction in DNA is essential so that during fertilization, when a sperm and an egg combine, the resulting zygote will have the appropriate amount of DNA—equivalent to each parent, not double.
Additionally, meiosis introduces genetic diversity through mechanisms such as independent assortment and crossing-over during the metaphase I stage, creating unique combinations of genes.
In contrast, mitosis ensures that the DNA remains unchanged as it passes from parent to daughter cells, supporting uniformity across cells that compose the body's tissues and organs.
Knowing the differences between these two types of cell division helps understand the dynamics behind organism development and the production of gametes for sexual reproduction.