Article
1/22/2021

Cell division

Mitosis

  • Ordinary cell division
  • Same number of chromosomes in new cells
  • New cells identical to parent cell
  • For growth
  • For asexual reproduction
  • In body cells

Meiosis

  • Reduction cell division
  • Half the number of chromosomes
  • New cells different mix of chromosomes and genes
  • For making gametes
  • For sexual reproduction
  • In reproductive organs

Chromosomes are threads of DNA which carry the genetic material (genes). In humans there are 23 pairs of chromosomes. In sex chromosomes there are only half the number.