Meiosis and mitosis are both types of cell division. Compare meiosis and mitosis in terms of the number of daughter cells produced, the genetic content of those daughter cells, and the purpose of each type of division.
Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).
Model answer (5 marks)
Mitosis produces two daughter cells, whereas meiosis produces four.
Daughter cells from mitosis are genetically identical to the parent cell and to each other; daughter cells from meiosis are genetically unique.
Mitosis yields diploid cells (full set of paired chromosomes); meiosis yields haploid cells (half the chromosome number).
Mitosis is used for growth and for replacing old or damaged cells.
Meiosis is used to produce gametes (sperm and egg) for sexual reproduction.
Daughter cells from mitosis are genetically identical to the parent cell and to each other; daughter cells from meiosis are genetically unique.
Mitosis yields diploid cells (full set of paired chromosomes); meiosis yields haploid cells (half the chromosome number).
Mitosis is used for growth and for replacing old or damaged cells.
Meiosis is used to produce gametes (sperm and egg) for sexual reproduction.
Examiner tips
- Use the word ‘produces’ to link each process to its outcome; list each point clearly; keep each sentence short and factual.
- Remember to mention both the number of cells and their genetic status; include the purpose of each division.
- Use UK spelling: ‘identical’, ‘unique’, ‘haploid’, ‘diploid’.
- Avoid extra words like ‘in this question’ or ‘the question asks’.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the number of cells (e.g., saying meiosis produces two cells);
- Mixing up diploid and haploid status;
- Forgetting to state the purpose of each division;
Mark scheme (5 marks)
- Mitosis produces two daughter cells whereas meiosis produces four daughter cells.
- Daughter cells from mitosis are genetically identical (to the parent cell / to each other), whereas daughter cells from meiosis are genetically unique.
- Daughter cells from mitosis are diploid (contain the full number of paired chromosomes), whereas daughter cells from meiosis are haploid (contain half the number of chromosomes).
- Mitosis is used for growth and to replace old or damaged cells.
- Meiosis is used to produce gametes (sex cells / sperm and egg cells) for sexual reproduction.
Key terms in this question
mitosis · meiosis · daughter cells
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