Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
When comparing mitosis with meiosis, which of the following statements is correct?
A
Mitosis occurs only in reproductive cells, whereas meiosis occurs in all somatic cells.
B
Crossing over occurs during mitosis but not during meiosis.
C
Mitosis produces two genetically identical diploid cells, while meiosis produces four genetically unique haploid cells.
D
Both mitosis and meiosis result in cells with half the number of chromosomes as the original cell.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the processes of mitosis and meiosis. Mitosis is a type of cell division that results in two genetically identical diploid cells, primarily for growth and repair in somatic cells. Meiosis, on the other hand, is a specialized form of cell division that produces four genetically unique haploid cells, which are involved in sexual reproduction.
Step 2: Analyze the first statement: 'Mitosis occurs only in reproductive cells, whereas meiosis occurs in all somatic cells.' This is incorrect because mitosis occurs in somatic cells (body cells), while meiosis occurs in reproductive cells (germ cells).
Step 3: Evaluate the second statement: 'Crossing over occurs during mitosis but not during meiosis.' This is incorrect because crossing over, which increases genetic diversity, occurs during prophase I of meiosis, not during mitosis.
Step 4: Examine the third statement: 'Mitosis produces two genetically identical diploid cells, while meiosis produces four genetically unique haploid cells.' This is correct because mitosis results in two identical cells with the same chromosome number as the parent cell, while meiosis results in four genetically diverse cells with half the chromosome number of the parent cell.
Step 5: Assess the fourth statement: 'Both mitosis and meiosis result in cells with half the number of chromosomes as the original cell.' This is incorrect because mitosis maintains the chromosome number (diploid to diploid), while meiosis reduces the chromosome number by half (diploid to haploid).