Meiosis, conversely, produces sperm and egg cells, or gametes (also spores in plants/fungi). Mitosis serves the function of creating sex cells, which are crucial in sexual reproduction and genetic diversity. According to Helmenstine, diploid parent cells (2n) create four non-identical haploid (n) daughter cells after TWO rounds of cell division (2024). These haploid daughter cells carry 23 chromosomes. In prophase, unlike the prophase of mitosis, crossing over DOES occur. This is followed by a metaphase where homologous pairs align—the first anaphase results in homologues, the second with chromatids. Genetic variation is created via chromosome behavior, namely crossing-over and independent assortment, contributing to the diversity of sperm and egg cells. When combined with the randomness of fertilization, these processes explain Mendel's law of independent assortment, "which states that alleles for different genes assort independently during gamete formation" (The Law of, 2025).   

Helmenstine, A. (2024, December 11). Mitosis vs. Meiosis. Science Notes. https://sciencenotes.org/mitosis-vs-meiosis/ 

Meiosis. (2025). ScienceFacts.net. https://www.sciencefacts.net/meiosis.html 

Mitosis. (2025). ScienceFacts.net. https://www.sciencefacts.net/mitosis.html 

The Law of Independent Assortment. (2025). Khan Academy. https://www.khanacademy.org/science/ap-biology/heredity/mendelian-genetics-ap/a/the-law-of-independent-assortment 

Helmenstine, A. (2024, December 11). Mitosis vs. Meiosis. Science Notes. https://sciencenotes.org/mitosis-vs-meiosis/ 

Meiosis. (2025). ScienceFacts.net. https://www.sciencefacts.net/meiosis.html 

Mitosis. (2025). ScienceFacts.net. https://www.sciencefacts.net/mitosis.html 

The Law of Independent Assortment . (2025). Khan Academy. https://www.khanacademy.org/science/ap-biology/heredity/mendelian-genetics-ap/a/the-law-of-independent-assortment