Which statement applies to meiosis and not mitosis?

• A. It involves a single round of cell division.
• B. It produces diploid cells identical to the parent cell.
• C. It results in four genetically unique daughter cells.
• D. It is primarily used for growth and repair.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the purpose of meiosis: Meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in four genetically unique daughter cells. It is essential for sexual reproduction and contributes to genetic diversity.
2. Contrast meiosis with mitosis: Mitosis is a process that results in two identical daughter cells, primarily used for growth and repair. It involves a single round of cell division and maintains the diploid chromosome number.
3. Identify the key differences: Meiosis involves two rounds of cell division (meiosis I and meiosis II) and results in four haploid cells, each genetically distinct from the parent cell and each other.
4. Focus on genetic uniqueness: The genetic variation in meiosis is due to processes like crossing over and independent assortment during meiosis I, which do not occur in mitosis.
5. Select the correct statement: Based on the understanding of meiosis, the statement 'It results in four genetically unique daughter cells' applies to meiosis and not mitosis.