Mitosis
- Growth and Development: Mitosis ensures that organisms grow by increasing the number of cells while maintaining genetic consistency.
- Repair and Maintenance: It replaces damaged or dead cells, keeping tissues functional.
- Genetic Stability: Produces two genetically identical daughter cells, preserving the organism’s DNA across generations of somatic cells.
- Asexual Reproduction: In unicellular organisms, mitosis is the basis of reproduction, creating identical offspring.
Meiosis
- Genetic Diversity: Through crossing over and independent assortment, meiosis introduces variation, which is crucial for evolution and adaptation.
- Formation of Gametes: Produces haploid cells (sperm and eggs) with half the chromosome number, ensuring stability of chromosome count across generations.
- Sexual Reproduction: Enables fertilization, combining genetic material from two parents to create unique offspring.
- Evolutionary Significance: Variation generated by meiosis drives natural selection and species survival.
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