How do mitosis and meiosis differ in the division of genetic composition?

• A. Mitosis results in two genetically diverse daughter cells, while meiosis results in four genetically identical daughter cells.
• B. Mitosis results in four genetically diverse daughter cells, while meiosis results in two genetically identical daughter cells.
• C. Mitosis results in two genetically identical daughter cells, while meiosis results in four genetically diverse daughter cells.
• D. Mitosis results in four genetically identical daughter cells, while meiosis results in two genetically diverse daughter cells.

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 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, creating four haploid cells, each genetically distinct from the parent cell, used in sexual reproduction.
2. Examine the genetic composition of the daughter cells: In mitosis, the daughter cells are genetically identical to the parent cell and to each other. This is because mitosis involves one round of DNA replication followed by one division. In contrast, meiosis involves one round of DNA replication followed by two divisions, resulting in four genetically diverse daughter cells.
3. Consider the number of daughter cells produced: Mitosis results in two daughter cells, while meiosis results in four daughter cells. This is due to the two rounds of division in meiosis (meiosis I and meiosis II) compared to the single division in mitosis.
4. Analyze the role of genetic diversity: Meiosis introduces genetic diversity through processes such as crossing over and independent assortment, which occur during meiosis I. These processes do not occur in mitosis, which is why the daughter cells in mitosis are genetically identical.
5. Review the correct statement: Based on the understanding of the processes, the correct statement is that mitosis results in two genetically identical daughter cells, while meiosis results in four genetically diverse daughter cells.