In which of the following processes does meiosis play a more significant role than mitosis?

• A. Formation of gametes
• B. Asexual reproduction
• C. Growth of tissues
• D. Repair of damaged cells

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the basic definitions: Meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in the production of gametes (sperm and eggs) in sexually reproducing organisms. Mitosis, on the other hand, is a type 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.
2. Identify the role of meiosis: Meiosis is crucial for sexual reproduction because it ensures genetic diversity through recombination and independent assortment, and it reduces the chromosome number by half, which is restored upon fertilization.
3. Analyze the options: Formation of gametes, asexual reproduction, growth of tissues, and repair of damaged cells. Consider which of these processes involves the production of gametes and requires a reduction in chromosome number.
4. Evaluate the significance of meiosis in each process: Meiosis is essential for the formation of gametes because it produces haploid cells necessary for sexual reproduction. In contrast, mitosis is more significant in asexual reproduction, growth of tissues, and repair of damaged cells, as these processes require identical cells for growth and repair.
5. Conclude that meiosis plays a more significant role in the formation of gametes, as it is the process that specifically produces these reproductive cells, whereas mitosis is involved in the other listed processes.