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

• A. Meiosis results in four genetically unique daughter cells, while mitosis results in two identical daughter cells.
• B. Meiosis occurs in somatic cells, while mitosis occurs in gametes.
• C. Mitosis results in haploid cells, while meiosis results in diploid cells.
• D. Mitosis involves two rounds of cell division, while meiosis involves only one.

Answer: (A)

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 produces gametes (sperm and eggs) with half the number of chromosomes, resulting in four genetically unique daughter cells.
2. Identify the number of cell divisions: Mitosis involves a single round of cell division, while meiosis consists of two rounds of cell division, known as meiosis I and meiosis II.
3. Consider the genetic outcome: Mitosis produces two diploid daughter cells that are genetically identical to the parent cell. In contrast, meiosis results in four haploid daughter cells that are genetically diverse due to processes like crossing over and independent assortment.
4. Clarify the type of cells involved: Mitosis occurs in somatic cells, which are all the cells forming the body except for the gametes. Meiosis occurs in germ cells to produce gametes.
5. Evaluate the options given: The correct statement is that meiosis results in four genetically unique daughter cells, while mitosis results in two identical daughter cells. This highlights the key difference in the genetic and numerical outcome of the two processes.