What are the differences between mitosis and meiosis? (8)

Division – Mit 1 division mei 2 divisions Independent assortment – Homologous pairs are randomly separated into separate cells only in meiosis Synapsis – Homologous pairs form bivalents in meiosis only Crossing over – Non-sister chromatids of homologous pairs may exchange genetic material in meiosis only Outcome – Mitosis forms 2 cells meiosis forms 4 Ploidy – mitosis forms diploid while meiosis forms haploid Use – Mitosis is used to clone body cells, while meiosis is used to generate sex cells (gametes) Genetics – Cells produced by mitosis are genetically identical (clones), while cells produced by meiosis are genetically distinct