| Purpose |
Asexual cell division, for growth and repair |
Sexual cell division, for reproduction |
| Number of divisions |
One division (produces two identical daughter cells) |
Two divisions (produces four genetically diverse daughter cells) |
| Number of chromosomes |
Daughter cells have the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell |
Daughter cells have half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell |
| Synapsis |
No synapsis occurs |
Synapsis occurs during Prophase I |
| Crossing over |
No crossing over occurs |
Crossing over occurs during Prophase I |
| Genetic variation |
No genetic variation is produced |
Genetic variation is produced due to crossing over and random assortment of chromosomes during metaphase I |
| Role in organism |
Used for growth, repair, and asexual reproduction |
Used for sexual reproduction and generating genetic diversity in the offspring |
Biology Ease Staff asked 10 months ago