Biology • Class 11/12 • NEET 2027
What is the difference between mitosis and meiosis?
Stages, Key Points & Quick Revision Guide for NEET 2027 and Board Exams
Still Confused About Mitosis and Meiosis? Let's Make It Simple!
What is the difference between mitosis and meiosis? What are their stages, and which points are most important for NEET 2027 and Class 11/12 Board Exams?
Learn mitosis and meiosis without confusion - a simple guide with clear differences, cell division stages, and quick revision notes.
Ideal for Class 11 learners, Class 12 board exam preparation, and NEET 2027 aspirants.
Difference Between Mitosis and Meiosis
| Feature | Mitosis | Meiosis |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Cell division producing genetically identical body cells by the division of its parent cell | Cell division producing genetically different gamete |
| Occurs in | Somatic body cells | Gametes or reproductive cells |
| Purpose | Growth, repair, replacement | Formation of gametes and sexual reproduction |
| Number of divisions | One | Two |
| Number of daughter cells | Two | One (initially), then four total |
| Chromosome number | Maintained (2n = 2n) | Reduced by half (2n = n) |
| Genetic makeup | Identical to the parent cell and from each other | Different from parent cell |
| Type of division | Equational division | Reductional (meiosis I) + equational (meiosis II) |
| Synapsis (Zygotene) | Absent | Present |
| Crossing over | Absent | Present during pachytene of prophase I |
| Homologous chromosomes | Do not pair | Pair and separate in meiosis I |
| Sister chromatids | Separate during Anaphase | Separate during anaphase II |
| DNA replication | Once before mitosis | Once before meiosis |
| Cytokinesis | Once | Twice |
| Genetic variation | Does not occur | Occurs due to crossing over and independent assortment |
| Importance | Growth, tissue repair | Sexual reproduction, evolution and genetic diversity |
| Examples | Skin cells and liver cells | Sperms and ova (gametes) |
Key Takeaways for NEET & Boards
- Mitosis: Equational division → maintains chromosome number → growth & repair.
- Meiosis: Reduction division → halves chromosome number → produces genetic diversity.
- Remember: Meiosis has two divisions but only one DNA replication.
- Crossing over occurs only in Prophase I of meiosis.
