Meiosis and Mitosis [haploid and diploid]

Meiosis occurs in the ovaries and in the testes. It is when one cell divides to produce four haploid cells i.e. gametes. A haploid cell is one with one chromosome i.e. half the genetic makeup. As a result, gametes are genetically different.

Mitosis occurs during growth and development. It is when one cell divides to produce two diploid cells. Diploid cells are those with a pair of chromosomes i.e. the full genetic makeup.

Offspring are genetically different to their parents as they have different genotypes as a result of the receipt of different chromosomes.

Note that it is at the stage of a foetus where cells begin to specialise.