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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes a key difference between meiosis and mitosis as discussed in Chapter 13: Meiosis and Sexual Life Cycles?
A
Meiosis results in four genetically unique haploid cells, while mitosis produces two identical diploid cells.
B
Meiosis occurs only in prokaryotic cells, while mitosis occurs in eukaryotic cells.
C
Meiosis involves a single cell division, whereas mitosis involves two consecutive divisions.
D
Meiosis produces cells for growth and repair, while mitosis produces gametes for sexual reproduction.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the definitions of meiosis and mitosis: Meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in four genetically unique haploid cells. Mitosis, on the other hand, is a process of cell division that results in two identical diploid cells, maintaining the chromosome number.
Review the purpose of each process: Meiosis is involved in sexual reproduction and produces gametes (sperm and egg cells), while mitosis is responsible for growth, repair, and asexual reproduction in multicellular organisms.
Examine the number of divisions: Meiosis involves two consecutive rounds of cell division (meiosis I and meiosis II), whereas mitosis involves only one round of cell division.
Analyze the genetic outcomes: Meiosis results in genetic variation due to processes like crossing over and independent assortment during meiosis I, while mitosis produces genetically identical cells.
Clarify the type of cells involved: Meiosis occurs in eukaryotic cells during gamete formation, while mitosis also occurs in eukaryotic cells but is not limited to gamete production—it is used for somatic cell division.