[Diya]

Hi Emma! I’d be happy to, here’s brief summary:

Differences between Mitosis and Meiosis:

Mitosis:

• Occurs in somatic cells (non-reproductive cells).
• Consists of one division.
• Produces two genetically identical diploid daughter cells.
• Function: Growth, repair, and asexual reproduction.
• Phases: Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase (PMAT).

Meiosis:

• Occurs in germ cells (reproductive cells).
• Consists of two divisions (Meiosis I and Meiosis II).
• Produces four genetically diverse haploid daughter cells.
• Function: Production of gametes (sperm and eggs).
• Phases: Prophase I, Metaphase I, Anaphase I, Telophase I, Prophase II, Metaphase II, Anaphase II, Telophase II (PMAT I and PMAT II).

Contribution to Cell Division:

Mitosis:

• Ensures the growth, development, and repair of body tissues.
• Replaces damaged or worn-out cells.
• Provides a mechanism for asexual reproduction, such as in single-celled organisms.

Meiosis:

• Facilitates the production of gametes (sperm and eggs) for sexual reproduction.
• Reduces the chromosome number by half (from diploid to haploid) in gametes.
• Helps maintain the stability of the chromosome number across generations.

Contribution to Genetic Diversity:

Mitosis:

• Maintains genetic stability as daughter cells are genetically identical to the parent cell.
• Genetic diversity primarily arises from mutations occurring during DNA replication.

Meiosis:

• Increases genetic diversity through three mechanisms:
  1. Independent assortment: Random arrangement and separation of homologous chromosomes during Meiosis I.
  2. Crossing over: Exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during Prophase I.
  3. Random fertilization: Random fusion of gametes during sexual reproduction.

I hope this was helpful!