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