Which of the following best describes a key difference between mitosis and meiosis?

• A. Mitosis involves two rounds of cell division, while meiosis involves only one.
• B. Mitosis occurs only in gametes, while meiosis occurs in somatic cells.
• C. Mitosis results in cells with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell, while meiosis maintains the chromosome number.
• D. Mitosis produces two genetically identical diploid cells, while meiosis produces four genetically unique haploid cells.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the processes of mitosis and meiosis. Mitosis is a type of cell division that results in two genetically identical diploid cells, while meiosis is a type of cell division that results in four genetically unique haploid cells.
2. Step 2: Clarify the chromosome number in each process. Mitosis maintains the chromosome number of the parent cell (diploid), whereas meiosis reduces the chromosome number by half (haploid).
3. Step 3: Examine the number of cell divisions involved. Mitosis involves a single 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: Compare the types of cells involved. Mitosis occurs in somatic (body) cells for growth and repair, while meiosis occurs in germ cells to produce gametes (sperm and egg).