Which of the following correctly describes the two main types of cell division in eukaryotic cells?

• A. Both mitosis and meiosis result in four daughter cells.
• B. Meiosis occurs in all somatic cells, while mitosis occurs only in reproductive cells.
• C. Mitosis produces identical daughter cells, while meiosis produces genetically diverse gametes.
• D. Mitosis produces gametes, while meiosis is used for growth and repair.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the two main types of cell division in eukaryotic cells: mitosis and meiosis. Mitosis is responsible for producing identical daughter cells, while meiosis generates genetically diverse gametes.
2. Step 2: Clarify the purpose of mitosis. Mitosis occurs in somatic cells (non-reproductive cells) and is used for growth, repair, and maintenance of tissues. It results in two daughter cells that are genetically identical to the parent cell.
3. Step 3: Clarify the purpose of meiosis. Meiosis occurs in reproductive cells and is essential for sexual reproduction. It reduces the chromosome number by half and results in four genetically diverse daughter cells (gametes).
4. Step 4: Evaluate the statements provided in the problem. Compare each statement to the biological functions of mitosis and meiosis. For example, the statement 'Mitosis produces identical daughter cells, while meiosis produces genetically diverse gametes' aligns with the correct biological processes.
5. Step 5: Eliminate incorrect statements based on your understanding. For instance, 'Meiosis occurs in all somatic cells' is incorrect because meiosis occurs only in reproductive cells, and 'Mitosis produces gametes' is incorrect because mitosis is not involved in gamete production.