Mitosis and meiosis are two ways that cells divide, but they are quite different from each other.

Mitosis

• Stages:

  1. Prophase - This is when chromosomes start to appear, and the nucleus begins to break down.
  2. Metaphase - The chromosomes line up in the center of the cell.
  3. Anaphase - The chromatids are pulled apart to opposite sides of the cell.
  4. Telophase - New nuclear membranes form, and the cell starts to split into two.

• Outcome: Mitosis makes 2 identical daughter cells. These are called diploid cells.

Meiosis

• Stages: This process is similar to mitosis but happens two times (called meiosis I and meiosis II).

  • During prophase I, something special happens called crossing over, which mixes up genes.

• Outcome: Meiosis creates 4 daughter cells that are genetically different. These are called haploid cells.

In short, mitosis focuses on making identical copies, while meiosis is all about creating variety!