Which diagram correctly represents the results of mitosis and meiosis in terms of chromosome number and cell type?

• A. Diagram A: Mitosis results in two diploid cells, Meiosis results in four haploid cells
• B. Diagram D: Mitosis results in four diploid cells, Meiosis results in two haploid cells
• C. Diagram C: Mitosis results in two haploid cells, Meiosis results in four diploid cells
• D. Diagram B: Mitosis results in four haploid cells, Meiosis results in two diploid cells

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the basic concepts of mitosis and meiosis: Mitosis is a type of cell division that results in two daughter cells each having the same number and kind of chromosomes as the parent nucleus, typical of ordinary tissue growth. Meiosis, on the other hand, is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in four haploid cells, each genetically distinct from the parent cell, typical of gamete formation.
2. Recall the chromosome number in diploid and haploid cells: Diploid cells contain two complete sets of chromosomes, one from each parent, while haploid cells contain only one complete set of chromosomes.
3. Analyze the process of mitosis: Mitosis starts with a diploid cell and results in two diploid daughter cells. This means the chromosome number remains the same, and the cells are genetically identical to the parent cell.
4. Analyze the process of meiosis: Meiosis starts with a diploid cell and results in four haploid daughter cells. This involves two rounds of cell division, meiosis I and meiosis II, reducing the chromosome number by half and creating genetic diversity.
5. Match the descriptions to the diagrams: Based on the understanding of mitosis and meiosis, identify which diagram correctly represents the results of these processes in terms of chromosome number and cell type. Diagram A correctly represents mitosis resulting in two diploid cells and meiosis resulting in four haploid cells.