What is the Difference Between Mitosis and Meiosis

Mitosis

Meiosis

Mitosis is involved in one cell division

Meiosis results in two cell divisions

In mitosis, cells divide and result in two identical daughter cells

In meiosis, cells divide and produce four daughter cells

In mitosis, cells divide and result in diploid daughter cells, which means that the chromosome number remains the same in both parent and daughter cells

In meiosis, cells divide and result in haploid cells, which means chromosome number is halved in the daughter cells

In mitosis, daughter cells are genetically identical

In meiosis, daughter cells are genetically different

Mitosis occurs in all living organisms except viruses

Meiosis occurs only in plants, animals, and fungi.

Mitosis produces all body cells (also known as somatic cells) except germ cells (eggs and sperm).

But meiosis creates only germ cells (sperm and eggs).

The prophase of mitosis is much shorter in nature

In meiosis prophase one takes a much longer time.

In mitosis, no crossing ever happens in prophase

In meiosis, crossing of chromosomes happens in prophase.

In mitosis, during metaphase, individual chromosomes line up along the equator.

During anaphase of mitosis, the sister chromosomes are separated to opposite poles.

In meiosis during metaphase, pairs of chromosomes line up along the equator.

During anaphase one of meiosis, the sister chromosomes move to the same pole, whereas during anaphase two, the sister chromosomes move to opposite poles.