What is a major difference between mitosis and meiosis?

Step 1: Define the Problem

Identify the key components of the question that need to be addressed:

• Understanding the processes of mitosis and meiosis.
• Identifying a major difference between the two.

Step 2: Break Down the Problem

Divide the problem into smaller, manageable parts:

• Describe the process of mitosis.
• Describe the process of meiosis.
• Compare the outcomes of both processes.

Step 3: Apply Relevant Concepts

Use appropriate academic theories or formulas to solve each part of the problem:

• Mitosis: A type of cell division that results in two daughter cells each having the same number and kind of chromosomes as the parent nucleus, typical of ordinary tissue growth.
• Meiosis: A type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in four daughter cells, each genetically distinct from the parent cell, typical of sexual reproduction.

Step 4: Analysis, Verify and Summarize

Analyze each part in detail if necessary, carry out the calculations by steps. Verify the calculations result and summarize the findings:

• Mitosis results in two genetically identical diploid cells.
• Meiosis results in four genetically diverse haploid cells.
• A major difference is that mitosis involves one division cycle and maintains the chromosome number, while meiosis involves two division cycles and reduces the chromosome number by half.

Final Answer

The major difference between mitosis and meiosis is that mitosis results in two genetically identical diploid cells, while meiosis results in four genetically diverse haploid cells.