Mitosis vs Meiosis: what's the difference?
GCSE Biology
Two types of cell division. Mitosis makes identical body cells; meiosis makes genetically different gametes.
Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).
Mitosis vs Meiosis — side by side
| Mitosis | Meiosis | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Growth, repair, asexual reproduction | Making gametes (sex cells) |
| Number of divisions | One | Two |
| Daughter cells | 2 | 4 |
| Chromosome number | Diploid → diploid (kept the same) | Diploid → haploid (halved) |
| Genetic result | Genetically identical (clones) | Genetically different (variation) |
Exam tip — how to tell them apart: Mit-O-sis = O for "One division, identical". Mei-O-sis halves the chromosomes and makes variation for sexual reproduction.
Common trap: Don't muddle the outcomes: mitosis = 2 identical diploid cells; meiosis = 4 different haploid cells.
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