Compare the processes of mitosis and meiosis. Which of the following statements is true?

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

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Begin by understanding the basic 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. Meiosis, on the other hand, is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in four genetically diverse daughter cells, and is essential for sexual reproduction.
2. Examine the number of cell divisions involved in each process. Mitosis involves a single round of cell division, whereas meiosis consists of two rounds: meiosis I and meiosis II. This is crucial for understanding the difference in the number of daughter cells produced.
3. Consider the genetic composition of the daughter cells. Mitosis produces daughter cells that are genetically identical to the parent cell, maintaining the same chromosome number. In contrast, meiosis results in daughter cells that are genetically diverse due to processes like crossing over and independent assortment, and they have half the chromosome number of the parent cell.
4. Evaluate the statements given in the problem. The statement 'Mitosis results in two genetically identical daughter cells, while meiosis results in four genetically diverse daughter cells' accurately reflects the outcomes of these processes.
5. Conclude by confirming that the correct statement aligns with the fundamental differences between mitosis and meiosis, emphasizing the genetic diversity and number of daughter cells produced in meiosis compared to the genetic consistency and fewer daughter cells in mitosis.