Meiosis vs Mitosis Meiosis involves two cell divisions that produce four haploid daughter cells from a single diploid parent cell. It occurs during sexual reproduction. Crossing over of chromosomes can occur during meiosis, generating genetic variation. Mitosis involves one cell division that produces two identical diploid daughter cells from a single parent cell. It occurs during asexual reproduction. Crossing over does not occur during mitosis.

1. Meiosis vs Mitosis
Difference
meiosis
mitosis
Type of Reproduction
Asexual
Sexual
Crossing Over
No, crossing over cannot occur.
Yes, crossing over of chromosomes occurs.
Number of Daughter Cells produced
2 diploid cells
4 haploid cells
Number of cell Divisions
one
two
The recombination or crossing over of chromosomes during meiosis generates variation.
Mendel's Law of Independent Assortment statesthat allele pairs separate independently during
the formation of gametes. This means that traits are transmitted to offspring independently of one
another. Thus to assort independently the genes have to be located on different chromosomes or
be at a great distance so that they are not linked.
Difference
meiosis
mitosis
Type of Reproduction
Asexual
Sexual
Crossing Over
No, crossing over cannot occur.
Yes, crossing over of chromosomes occurs.
Number of Daughter Cells produced
2 diploid cells
4 haploid cells
Number of cell Divisions
one

2. two
Solution
Meiosis vs Mitosis
Difference
meiosis
mitosis
Type of Reproduction
Asexual
Sexual
Crossing Over
No, crossing over cannot occur.
Yes, crossing over of chromosomes occurs.
Number of Daughter Cells produced
2 diploid cells
4 haploid cells
Number of cell Divisions
one
two
The recombination or crossing over of chromosomes during meiosis generates variation.
Mendel's Law of Independent Assortment statesthat allele pairs separate independently during
the formation of gametes. This means that traits are transmitted to offspring independently of one
another. Thus to assort independently the genes have to be located on different chromosomes or
be at a great distance so that they are not linked.
Difference
meiosis
mitosis
Type of Reproduction
Asexual
Sexual
Crossing Over
No, crossing over cannot occur.
Yes, crossing over of chromosomes occurs.
Number of Daughter Cells produced
2 diploid cells

3. 4 haploid cells
Number of cell Divisions
one
two