When comparing the processes of mitosis and meiosis, which of the following statements is correct?

• A. Meiosis produces cells that are genetically identical to the parent cell.
• B. Mitosis produces two genetically identical diploid cells, while meiosis produces four genetically unique haploid cells.
• C. Both mitosis and meiosis result in cells with half the number of chromosomes as the original cell.
• D. Mitosis and meiosis both involve two rounds of cell division.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the key differences between mitosis and meiosis. Mitosis is a process of cell division that results in two genetically identical diploid cells, while meiosis is a process that produces four genetically unique haploid cells.
2. Step 2: Analyze the chromosome number in the resulting cells. Mitosis maintains the original chromosome number (diploid), whereas meiosis reduces the chromosome number by half (haploid). This is a critical distinction.
3. Step 3: Examine the number of cell divisions involved. Mitosis involves one round of cell division, while meiosis involves two rounds of cell division: meiosis I and meiosis II.
4. Step 4: Consider the genetic variation. Mitosis produces genetically identical cells, while meiosis introduces genetic diversity through processes like crossing over and independent assortment during meiosis I.
5. Step 5: Evaluate the statements provided in the problem. Compare each statement to the biological principles of mitosis and meiosis to determine which is correct based on the explanations above.