| 1. It occurs in the somatic cells of haploid as well as diploid organisms. | 1. It occurs in the reproductive cells of diploid organisms only. |
| 2. It produces two daughter cells. | 2. It produces four daughter cells. |
| 3. It is completed in one division. | 3. Completed in two successive divisions. |
| 4. It is equational division i.e. the number of chromosomes remains the same in the daughter cells, as found in the parent cell. | 4. It is reductional division i.e. the number of chromosomes is reduced to half in the daughter cells. |
| 5. The genetic constitution of the daughter cells is similar. | 5. Genetic constitution of the four daughter cells is different. |
| 6. No synapsis takes place. | 6. Synapsis occurs during prophase-I. |
| 7. No crossing over takes place. | 7. Crossing over takes place in prophase – I, which causes variations. |
| 8. Prophase is relatively short and simple. | 8. Prophase -1 is very long and elaborate. |
| 9. Each chromosome is attached with both the poles, during metaphase. | 9. One chromosome of each pair is attached with one pole and the second is attached to the opposite pole during metaphase – I. |
| 10. Only one equatorial plate is formed during metaphase. | 10. Two equatorial plates are formed during metaphase- I. |
