# Explain why mitosis is used for growth and repair in the human body, but meiosis is used for the production of gametes.

> Eduqas GCSE Biology — 2.2.1 Mitosis and meiosis · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Mitosis produces genetically identical cells / daughter cells have the same genetic information as the parent cell
2. This is needed for growth/repair so that new cells can carry out the same functions / replace damaged cells correctly
3. Meiosis produces cells with half the number of chromosomes (haploid cells)
4. So that when two gametes fuse at fertilisation, the correct / full chromosome number is restored in the zygote

## Key terms

- [mitosis](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/mitosis)
- [meiosis](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/meiosis)
- [gametes](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/gametes)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas GCSE Biology](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-mitosis-is-used-for-06d7eca4) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.