Compare meiosis and mitosis in terms of the number of daughter cells produced, the chromosome number of the daughter cells, and the genetic similarity of the daughter cells.

Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610) — 17.3 Meiosis · Compare · 4 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Model answer (4 marks)

Meiosis produces four daughter cells, each haploid, and the cells are genetically different from each other and from the parent cell.
Mitosis produces two daughter cells, each diploid, and the cells are genetically identical to each other and to the parent cell.

Examiner tips

Use a clear comparison structure (e.g., ‘Meiosis: …; Mitosis: …’).
Mention all three aspects: number of cells, chromosome number, genetic similarity.
Use the exact terms ‘haploid’, ‘diploid’, ‘genetically different’, ‘genetically identical’.
Keep each point concise to fit the 4‑mark limit.

Common mistakes

Writing that meiosis produces two cells or that mitosis produces four cells.
Confusing haploid with diploid or vice versa.
Omitting the genetic similarity part or saying the cells are ‘similar’ instead of ‘identical’ or ‘different’.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

Meiosis produces four daughter cells whereas mitosis produces two daughter cells.
Daughter cells produced by meiosis are haploid, whereas those produced by mitosis are diploid.
Daughter cells produced by meiosis are genetically different from each other and from the parent cell.
Daughter cells produced by mitosis are genetically identical to each other and to the parent cell.

Key terms in this question

meiosis · mitosis · daughter cells