Mitosis and Meiosis: How Each Type of Cell Division Works
Biology editorial review is supported by the
named review panel.
Reviewer participation may vary by guide. Checked against Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 (2026–2028); last reviewed August 2026.
Key concept
Mitosis produces genetically identical cells and maintains chromosome number for growth, repair, replacement and asexual reproduction. Meiosis halves chromosome number and produces genetically different gametes.
The safest way to answer a comparison is in matched rows. State what happens in mitosis and meiosis for the same feature, rather than writing one paragraph about each and leaving the examiner to find the contrast.
The matched comparison
Feature
Mitosis
Meiosis
Purpose
Growth, repair, replacement, asexual reproduction
Production of gametes
Chromosome number
Maintained
Halved from diploid to haploid
Genetic outcome
Genetically identical cells
Genetically different cells
Products
Daughter cells for body growth or cloning
Gametes for sexual reproduction
Why chromosome number must halve
Gametes are haploid. At fertilisation, two haploid nuclei fuse and restore the diploid chromosome number in the zygote. Without reduction division, chromosome number would double each generation.
How meiosis creates variation
Meiosis produces genetically different cells, contributing to variation among offspring. Random mating and random fertilisation add further variation. Do not describe mitosis as producing “similar” cells; the scoring phrase is genetically identical.
What the syllabus does not require
The detailed named stages of mitosis and meiosis are not required for Cambridge 0610. Focus on nuclear division, chromosome number, genetic outcome and biological role rather than memorising stage diagrams beyond the syllabus.
Try a focused question (3 marks)
State three differences between mitosis and meiosis.
Show the answer and marking guidance
Mitosis maintains chromosome number; meiosis halves it.
Mitosis produces genetically identical cells; meiosis produces genetically different cells.
Mitosis is used for growth, repair or asexual reproduction; meiosis produces gametes.
Original Cambridge-style practice written for this site. It is not an official Cambridge past-paper question.
Common mix-ups to avoid
Check these points against your own answer before moving on.
Saying mitosis halves chromosome number.
Saying meiosis produces identical gametes.
Giving two unpaired lists rather than matched differences.
Spending revision time on named stages that are not required by the syllabus.