Biology

Confusing Mitosis and Meiosis

Students say mitosis makes gametes or say meiosis makes two identical body cells.

Quick check

Why students make it

Both processes involve chromosomes copying and cells dividing, so they can look like the same process. Students often remember the word division but not the purpose or final products.

The rule done right

Mitosis makes two genetically identical diploid body cells for growth and repair. Meiosis makes four genetically different haploid gametes for sexual reproduction, changing 2n2n cells into nn cells.

Related resources

cell-divisiongeneticschromosomes