# 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.

> Eduqas A-Level Biology — 1.2 Cell structure and organisation · Compare · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Mitosis produces two daughter cells whereas meiosis produces four daughter cells.
2. 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.
3. 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).
4. Mitosis is used for growth and repair / replacement of 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)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/meiosis-and-mitosis-are-both-types-c76104ec) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.