List the main differences between mitosis and meiosis?
| Mitosis | Meiosis |
| 1) This division takes place in somatic cells and as a result of this division growth occurs. | 1) This takes place usually in reproductive cells and as a result of this character one generation pass into the other. |
| 2) Completed in one stage. | 2) Completed in two stages. |
| 3) Prophase is smaller (as compared to prophase of Meiosis). | 3) Prophase longer than prophase of mitosis and divided into five substages. |
| 4) No crossing over takes place. | 4) Crossing over takes place in which exchange of segments of chromatids occurs. |
| 5) Synapsis does not take place at metaphase. | 5) Synapsis between homologous chromosomes takes place (bivalent stage). |
| 6) At metaphase, centromere is towards equatorial plate and ends of chromosomes towards poles. Centromere divides. | 6) At metaphase I, the centromere is towards poles and ends of chromosomes towards equatorial plate. Centromere does not divide. |
| 7) Chromatids are long and thin. | 7) Chromatids are shorter and thick |
| 8) Cytokinesis follows karyokinesis. | 8) After Telophase I, cytokinesis does not takes place always (may occur). |