The question is, what exactly is the major difference between mitosis and meiosis? So in mitosis, our somatic cell divides into two genetically identical cells that are diploid. And that means the chromosome number does not actually change. If we begin with 46 chromosomes, we're going to end up with cells that contain 46 chromosomes. However, in the process of meiosis, our gamethocide divides into four genetically different haploid cells. And that means if we begin with 46 chromosomes, the chromosome number will be divided by two.