What is a major characteristic of meiosis compared to mitosis?

A key characteristic of meiosis that distinguishes it from mitosis is that meiosis results in the production of cells with half the number of chromosomes compared to the original cell. This process is crucial for sexual reproduction, as it generates gametes—sperm and egg cells—that carry half the genetic information needed for the formation of a new organism.

Meiosis consists of two rounds of cell division, which leads to the formation of four non-identical daughter cells, each with a haploid set of chromosomes. This halving of the chromosome number is essential for maintaining the appropriate chromosome count in offspring when gametes fuse during fertilization.

In contrast, mitosis produces two genetically identical diploid daughter cells and occurs in somatic cells for growth and repair, which does not involve halving the chromosome number. This understanding of meiosis emphasizes its role in the formation of genetic diversity and the biological significance of sexual reproduction.