Which best represents one fundamental difference between the processes of mitosis and meiosis?

• A. Mitosis occurs only in reproductive cells, while meiosis occurs in all body cells.
• B. Mitosis involves two rounds of cell division, while meiosis involves only one.
• C. Mitosis results in two identical daughter cells, while meiosis results in four genetically diverse daughter cells.
• D. Mitosis reduces the chromosome number by half, while meiosis maintains the chromosome number.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the purpose of mitosis and meiosis: Mitosis is a process of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells, maintaining the chromosome number of the original cell. It is used for growth, repair, and asexual reproduction. Meiosis, on the other hand, is a specialized form of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in four genetically diverse daughter cells. It is essential for sexual reproduction.
2. Identify the number of cell divisions: Mitosis involves a single round of cell division, while meiosis consists of two rounds of cell division, known as meiosis I and meiosis II.
3. Consider the genetic outcome: Mitosis produces two daughter cells that are genetically identical to the parent cell and to each other. In contrast, meiosis results in four daughter cells that are genetically diverse due to processes like crossing over and independent assortment.
4. Examine the chromosome number: Mitosis maintains the chromosome number of the original cell, meaning if the parent cell is diploid, the daughter cells will also be diploid. Meiosis reduces the chromosome number by half, so if the parent cell is diploid, the resulting gametes will be haploid.
5. Evaluate the context of occurrence: Mitosis occurs in somatic (body) cells for growth and repair, while meiosis occurs in germ cells to produce gametes (sperm and eggs) for sexual reproduction.