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Multiple Choice
Which of the following correctly describes a key difference between meiosis and mitosis?
A
Crossing over occurs during mitosis but not during meiosis.
B
Mitosis involves two rounds of cell division, while meiosis involves only one.
C
Meiosis occurs in somatic cells, while mitosis occurs only in gametes.
D
Meiosis results in four genetically unique haploid cells, while mitosis produces two identical diploid cells.
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 identical daughter cells, maintaining the diploid chromosome number. Meiosis, on the other hand, is a specialized form of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, producing haploid cells (gametes).
Step 2: Recognize the key differences between mitosis and meiosis. Mitosis involves one round of cell division and does not include crossing over, while meiosis involves two rounds of cell division and includes crossing over during prophase I, which contributes to genetic diversity.
Step 3: Analyze the options provided in the problem. Evaluate each statement to determine its accuracy based on your understanding of mitosis and meiosis. For example, crossing over occurs during meiosis, not mitosis, and meiosis occurs in gametes, not somatic cells.
Step 4: Focus on the correct answer provided in the problem: 'Meiosis results in four genetically unique haploid cells, while mitosis produces two identical diploid cells.' This statement accurately describes the outcome of each process and highlights the genetic uniqueness of meiosis compared to the identical nature of mitosis.
Step 5: Summarize the key takeaway: The primary difference between mitosis and meiosis lies in the number of cell divisions, the genetic composition of the resulting cells, and the occurrence of crossing over during meiosis, which contributes to genetic variation.