What is a major difference between meiosis and mitosis?

The distinction between meiosis and mitosis lies significantly in the outcome of the cell division processes, particularly concerning the type of cells produced. Meiosis results in the formation of four haploid cells. Haploid cells contain half the number of chromosomes compared to diploid cells, making them distinct in their role in sexual reproduction. These haploid cells are crucial for processes such as fertilization, where the union of two haploid gametes leads to the formation of a diploid zygote.

In contrast, mitosis is a form of cell division that produces two diploid daughter cells, which are genetically identical to the original cell, maintaining the same chromosome number. This process is involved in growth, repair, and asexual reproduction in multicellular organisms.

This difference is fundamental as meiosis introduces variation through the recombination of genetic material, while mitosis conserves the genetic structure of the parent cell. Recognizing these outcomes aids in understanding concepts such as genetic diversity and the role of these two processes in the life cycle of organisms.