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Difference Between Mitosis and Meiosis — NEET Biology

The main difference between mitosis and meiosis is that mitosis is an equational division that produces two identical diploid cells, while meiosis is a reductional division that produces four genetically different haploid cells. This comparison is one of the most frequently tested in NEET Biology, with NTA regularly framing assertion-reason and multi-statement questions around chromosome number, crossing over, and daughter cell output.

Comparison Table: Mitosis vs Meiosis

BasisMitosisMeiosis
DefinitionEquational division — chromosome number stays the sameReductional division — chromosome number is halved
Occurs inSomatic (body) cellsGerm cells (reproductive cells)
Number of divisionsOne divisionTwo successive divisions (meiosis I and II)
Daughter cells2 diploid (2n) cells4 haploid (n) cells
Crossing overDoes not occurOccurs during pachytene of prophase I
SynapsisAbsentHomologous chromosomes pair during zygotene
Genetic variationDaughter cells are genetically identicalDaughter cells are genetically different
Chiasmata formationAbsentPresent in prophase I
FunctionGrowth, repair, and asexual reproductionFormation of gametes and spores
DurationShorterLonger (prophase I alone can take days)

Key Points to Remember

  • Mitosis maintains chromosome number (2n → 2n); meiosis halves it (2n → n) — NCERT Ch. 10
  • Crossing over occurs only in meiosis during pachytene stage of prophase I
  • Meiosis I is reductional (separates homologous pairs); meiosis II is equational (separates sister chromatids)
  • Interkinesis between meiosis I and II has no DNA replication
  • Mitosis occurs throughout life; meiosis occurs only at the time of gametogenesis in animals

NEET Exam Tip

How NTA Tests ThisNTA commonly tests this as assertion-reason: 'Assertion: Meiosis is called reductional division. Reason: Crossing over occurs during meiosis.' Both true but reason does NOT correctly explain assertion — reduction happens because homologous chromosomes separate. Also watch for match-the-column linking stages (pachytene, zygotene, diplotene) with events.

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