Answer: Mitosis produces two genetically identical daughter cells for growth and repair, while meiosis produces four genetically diverse daughter cells for sexual reproduction.
Explanation:
Mitosis and meiosis are two types of cell division that occur in eukaryotic cells. The key differences between mitosis and meiosis are:
1. Purpose: The main purpose of mitosis is the growth and repair of tissues, while the main purpose of meiosis is the production of gametes (sex cells) for sexual reproduction.
2. Number of divisions: Mitosis involves one cell division, resulting in the formation of two identical daughter cells. Meiosis involves two cell divisions, resulting in the formation of four genetically diverse daughter cells.
3. Number of chromosomes: In mitosis, the daughter cells have the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell. In meiosis, the daughter cells have half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell.
4. Genetic variation: Mitosis produces genetically identical daughter cells, while meiosis produces genetically diverse daughter cells due to the random segregation of homologous chromosomes and crossing over during prophase I.
5. Occurrence: Mitosis occurs in somatic cells (body cells), while meiosis occurs in cells that give rise to gametes (germ cells).
In summary, mitosis produces two genetically identical daughter cells for growth and repair, while meiosis produces four genetically diverse daughter cells for sexual reproduction.