How do mitosis and meiosis differ in chromosome number and genetic diversity?

Mitosis results in two daughter cells with the same chromosome number as the parent cell, while meiosis results in four daughter cells with half the chromosome number and increased genetic diversity.

Mitosis is the process of cell division that results in two identical daughter cells with the same chromosome number as the parent cell. This process is important for growth, repair, and asexual reproduction in organisms. During mitosis, the chromosomes replicate and then separate into two identical sets that are distributed equally to the daughter cells. This ensures that each daughter cell has the same genetic information as the parent cell.

Meiosis, on the other hand, is the process of cell division that results in four daughter cells with half the chromosome number of the parent cell. Meiosis is important for sexual reproduction in organisms, as it allows for the creation of gametes with unique genetic information. During meiosis, the chromosomes replicate and then pair up with their homologous partner. These pairs then separate, resulting in two daughter cells with half the chromosome number. These daughter cells then undergo a second round of division, resulting in four daughter cells with unique combinations of genetic information.

Overall, while mitosis results in identical daughter cells with the same chromosome number as the parent cell, meiosis results in daughter cells with half the chromosome number and increased genetic diversity. This allows for the creation of gametes with unique genetic information, which is important for the survival and evolution of species.