Which of the following is a correct comparison between mitosis and meiosis?

• A. Mitosis involves two rounds of cell division, whereas meiosis involves only one.
• B. Mitosis results in two identical daughter cells, while meiosis results in four genetically diverse daughter cells.
• C. Both mitosis and meiosis result in the production of gametes.
• D. Mitosis occurs only in reproductive cells, while meiosis occurs in all body cells.

Answer: (B)

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, primarily for growth and repair in somatic (body) cells. 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, and is used for producing gametes (sperm and eggs) in sexually reproducing organisms.
2. Identify the number of cell divisions: Mitosis involves a single round of cell division, whereas meiosis consists of two rounds of cell division, known as meiosis I and meiosis II.
3. Compare the outcomes of the processes: Mitosis results in two daughter cells that are genetically identical to the parent cell, maintaining the same chromosome number. Meiosis results in four daughter cells that are genetically diverse, each with half the chromosome number of the original cell.
4. Clarify the types of cells involved: Mitosis occurs in somatic cells, which are all body cells except for the reproductive cells. Meiosis occurs specifically in germ cells, which are involved in the production of gametes.
5. Evaluate the statements given in the problem: The correct comparison is that mitosis results in two identical daughter cells, while meiosis results in four genetically diverse daughter cells. This aligns with the fundamental differences in the processes and their outcomes.