# 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.

> Eduqas A-Level Biology — 1.6 Cell division · Compare · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Mitosis produces two daughter cells whereas meiosis produces four daughter cells.
2. Daughter cells from mitosis are genetically identical (to the parent cell / to each other), whereas daughter cells from meiosis are genetically unique.
3. 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).
4. Mitosis is used for growth and to replace old or damaged cells.
5. Meiosis is used to produce gametes (sex cells / sperm and egg cells) for sexual reproduction.

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas A-Level Biology](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Compare" 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/meiosis-and-mitosis-are-both-types-03c2b645) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.