Difference between these parts of mitosis and meiosis?

Question

In mitosis, replication of chromosomes precedes each cell division.
In meiosis, two cell divisions take place without a replication of chromosomes between them. What is the significance of this difference?
thanks :)

Answer 1

In meiosis, the second cell division occurs to create gametes - special cells with only HALF the chromosomes of the parent cell

The gametes are special in that they will not form a cell by themselves, but require a second set of gametes (most often by another member of the same species) to fuse with them to produce a diploid cell again

This type of reproduction (sexual reproduction) ensures a thorough mixing up of genetic material and increases variability of the species.

In mitosis - the two daughter cells produced both have full sets of genetic material and do not require a further process to function.

This type of reproduction (asexual reproduction) does not have the advantage of mixing up genetic material and increasing variability within the species but essentially produces two daughter cells with the same DNA.

Answer 2

To put it simply:
Meiosis produces sex cells, egg and sperm. Each cell does not have the same amount of DNA and they have half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell.
Mitosis, produces body cells. Every cell has the same DNA.
For Example human cells have 46 chromosomes, but the egg and sperm only have 23 chromosomes.