Meiosis and mitosis are both types of cell division that occur in the human body. 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.
The daughter cells from mitosis are genetically identical to each other and to the parent cell; the daughter cells from meiosis are genetically unique.
Mitosis gives diploid cells; meiosis gives haploid cells.
Mitosis is used for growth, repair and replacement of damaged cells.
Meiosis produces gametes for sexual reproduction.
The daughter cells from mitosis are genetically identical to each other and to the parent cell; the daughter cells from meiosis are genetically unique.
Mitosis gives diploid cells; meiosis gives haploid cells.
Mitosis is used for growth, repair and replacement of damaged cells.
Meiosis produces gametes for sexual reproduction.
Examiner tips
- Use a clear comparison format (e.g. bullet points or a table).
- Mention all five points: number of cells, genetic identity, ploidy, purpose of mitosis, purpose of meiosis.
- Use exact terminology: diploid, haploid, gametes, growth/repair.
Common mistakes
- Saying meiosis produces two cells instead of four.
- Confusing diploid with haploid for mitosis cells.
- Omitting the purpose of meiosis or mislabeling it as a repair mechanism.
Mark scheme (5 marks)
- Mitosis produces two daughter cells whereas meiosis produces four daughter cells.
- The daughter cells produced by mitosis are genetically identical to each other and to the parent cell, whereas the daughter cells produced by meiosis are genetically unique / different from each other.
- Daughter cells from mitosis are diploid (contain the full number of chromosomes), whereas daughter cells from meiosis are haploid (contain half the usual number of chromosomes).
- Mitosis is used for growth and repair / replacement of 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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