What are the differences between cleavage and cell division?

Question

Accepted Answer

Basis of differentiation

Cleavage

Cell division

Definition

Is the process of splitting or dividing a cell from a parent cell

Cell division is the process in which a parent cell divides into two daughter cells

Occurrence

Occurs only in animal cells

Occurs both in plant and animal cells

Timespan

Is comparatively shorter

Is comparatively longer

Process

Follows nuclear division

Follows the G2 phase of the cell cycle

Timing

Cleavage occurs in the early stages of embryonic development

Cell division can occur throughout the lifetime of an individual, in both embryonic development and adulthood

Function

Cleavage is responsible for increasing the quantity of cells in the embryo without increasing the overall size

Cell division plays a role in growth, repair, and reproduction in organisms

Genetic variation

There is no recombination of genetic material during cleavage

Meiosis contributes to genetic diversity of species through the process of recombination

Basis of differentiation	Cleavage	Cell division
Definition	Is the process of splitting or dividing a cell from a parent cell	Cell division is the process in which a parent cell divides into two daughter cells
Occurrence	Occurs only in animal cells	Occurs both in plant and animal cells
Timespan	Is comparatively shorter	Is comparatively longer
Process	Follows nuclear division	Follows the G2 phase of the cell cycle
Timing	Cleavage occurs in the early stages of embryonic development	Cell division can occur throughout the lifetime of an individual, in both embryonic development and adulthood
Function	Cleavage is responsible for increasing the quantity of cells in the embryo without increasing the overall size	Cell division plays a role in growth, repair, and reproduction in organisms
Genetic variation	There is no recombination of genetic material during cleavage	Meiosis contributes to genetic diversity of species through the process of recombination