Does mitosis or meiosis create variation?

Meiosis creates genetic variation through crossing over (Prophase I) and independent assortment of chromosomes. Mitosis produces identical cells with no new variation.

Why does meiosis have two divisions?

Meiosis I separates homologous chromosomes (reducing the number to haploid), and Meiosis II separates sister chromatids — together producing four haploid cells from one diploid cell.

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Difference Between Mitosis and Meiosis

Both mitosis and meiosis are types of cell division, but they serve very different purposes. Mitosis is for growth and repair; meiosis is for producing gametes (sex cells).

In short

Mitosis produces 2 genetically identical diploid cells for growth and repair, while meiosis produces 4 genetically different haploid cells (gametes) for sexual reproduction.

Mitosis vs Meiosis — Comparison Table

Basis	Mitosis	Meiosis
Number of divisions	One	Two (Meiosis I and II)
Daughter cells	2	4
Chromosome number	Same as parent (diploid, 2n)	Half of parent (haploid, n)
Genetic result	Identical to parent	Genetically different (variation)
Crossing over	Absent	Occurs in Prophase I
Occurs in	Somatic (body) cells	Germ cells (gamete formation)
Purpose	Growth, repair, replacement	Sexual reproduction, variation

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Frequently Asked Questions — Mitosis vs Meiosis

Does mitosis or meiosis create variation?: Meiosis creates genetic variation through crossing over (Prophase I) and independent assortment of chromosomes. Mitosis produces identical cells with no new variation.
Why does meiosis have two divisions?: Meiosis I separates homologous chromosomes (reducing the number to haploid), and Meiosis II separates sister chromatids — together producing four haploid cells from one diploid cell.

Difference Between Mitosis and Meiosis

Mitosis vs Meiosis — Comparison Table

Frequently Asked Questions — Mitosis vs Meiosis

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