Mitosis is a type of cell division used for growth (in children) and to repair damaged tissue. One 'parent' cell divides to form two 'daughter cells' which are genetically identical and have the same chromosome number as the parent cell.
Mitosis:
Occurs in body cells (body cells ALWAYS) have the full chromosome number)
2 daughter cells are produced (1 -> 2)
Cells produced are genetically identical
Cells produced have the same number of chromosomes as parent cell
Used for growth (in children) and repair of damaged tissue
If uncontrolled mitosis occurs, this can result in cancer.
Meiosis is a type of cell division used for sexual reproduction. It produces 4 daughter cells (gametes) which are genetically different to the parent cell.
Meiosis:
Occurs in the sex organs (ovaries and testes)
4 daughter cells produced (1 -> 4)
Cells are genetically different
Cells have half the number of chromosomes compared to the parent cell
Produces cells called gametes (sex cells e.g. sperm or egg cells)
Used for sexual reproduction
The sperm and eggs cells have half the normal chromosome sumber. When they join back together, the fertilised egg has the normal chromosome number again. It is the first 'body cell' of the developing embryo.