Which of the following correctly describes how mitosis and meiosis are different?

• A. Mitosis involves two rounds of cell division, while meiosis involves only one.
• B. Mitosis reduces the chromosome number by half, while meiosis maintains the chromosome number.
• C. Mitosis occurs only in reproductive cells, while meiosis occurs in all body cells.
• D. Mitosis results in two identical daughter cells, while meiosis results in four genetically diverse daughter cells.

Answer: (D)

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 multicellular organisms. Meiosis, on the other hand, is a specialized form of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in four genetically diverse daughter cells, and is essential for sexual reproduction.
2. Identify the number of cell divisions: Mitosis involves a single round of cell division, whereas meiosis consists of two rounds of cell division, known as meiosis I and meiosis II.
3. Consider the chromosome number: In mitosis, the chromosome number is maintained, meaning the daughter cells have the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell. In meiosis, the chromosome number is halved, producing haploid cells from an original diploid cell.
4. Determine the type of cells involved: Mitosis occurs in somatic (body) cells, facilitating growth and tissue repair. Meiosis occurs in germ cells, leading to the production of gametes (sperm and eggs) for sexual reproduction.
5. Evaluate the genetic outcome: Mitosis results in two genetically identical daughter cells, while meiosis results in four genetically diverse daughter cells due to processes like crossing over and independent assortment during meiosis I.