Which is correct about the difference between mitosis and meiosis?

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

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 reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in four genetically diverse daughter cells, and is used in the production of gametes (sperm and eggs).
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: Mitosis maintains the chromosome number of the original cell, meaning the daughter cells are diploid (2n) if the parent cell is diploid. In contrast, meiosis reduces the chromosome number by half, producing haploid (n) cells from a diploid parent cell.
4. Examine the genetic diversity: Mitosis produces daughter cells that are genetically identical to the parent cell and each other. Meiosis, however, introduces genetic diversity through processes such as crossing over and independent assortment, resulting in genetically unique daughter cells.
5. Clarify the types of cells involved: Mitosis occurs in somatic cells for growth and repair, while meiosis occurs in germ cells to produce gametes for sexual reproduction.