How are mitosis and meiosis similar?

• A. Both processes occur only in reproductive cells.
• B. Both processes involve the division of a parent cell into two or more daughter cells.
• C. Both processes result in the formation of haploid cells.
• D. Both processes result in the production of genetically identical cells.

Answer: (B)

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 haploid cells, and is crucial for sexual reproduction.
2. Identify the similarities between mitosis and meiosis. Both processes involve the division of a parent cell into daughter cells, which is a fundamental aspect of both types of cell division.
3. Consider the phases involved in both processes. Both mitosis and meiosis include stages such as prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase, although meiosis has two rounds of these phases (meiosis I and meiosis II).
4. Examine the cellular structures involved. Both processes utilize structures such as spindle fibers to separate chromosomes, and both occur in eukaryotic cells.
5. Reflect on the genetic outcomes. While mitosis results in genetically identical cells, meiosis leads to genetic variation through processes like crossing over and independent assortment, which are not present in mitosis.