Of the following choices, which is a similarity between mitosis and meiosis?

• A. Both result in daughter cells that are genetically identical to the parent cell.
• B. Both processes involve the duplication of DNA before cell division.
• C. Both occur only in gamete-producing cells.
• D. Both produce four haploid cells from one diploid cell.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the key processes of mitosis and meiosis: Mitosis is a type of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells, while meiosis is a type of cell division that produces four genetically diverse haploid cells.
2. Review the stages of both processes: Both mitosis and meiosis begin with DNA replication during the S phase of the cell cycle, ensuring that the genetic material is duplicated before division.
3. Analyze the options provided: The first option states that both processes result in genetically identical daughter cells, which is incorrect for meiosis. The second option mentions DNA duplication before division, which is true for both processes. The third option states that both occur only in gamete-producing cells, which is incorrect for mitosis. The fourth option states that both produce four haploid cells, which is incorrect for mitosis.
4. Focus on the correct similarity: The duplication of DNA before cell division is a fundamental step shared by both mitosis and meiosis, ensuring that genetic material is properly distributed during cell division.
5. Conclude that the correct answer is: 'Both processes involve the duplication of DNA before cell division,' as this is the accurate similarity between mitosis and meiosis.