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Multiple Choice
What is the main difference between mitosis and meiosis?
A
Mitosis results in cells with half the number of chromosomes, while meiosis maintains the chromosome number.
B
Mitosis involves two rounds of cell division, while meiosis involves only one.
C
Mitosis occurs only in reproductive cells, while meiosis occurs in all body cells.
D
Mitosis produces two genetically identical diploid cells, while meiosis produces four genetically unique haploid cells.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the purpose of mitosis and meiosis. Mitosis is a process of cell division that occurs in somatic (body) cells to produce two genetically identical diploid cells for growth, repair, and maintenance. Meiosis, on the other hand, occurs in reproductive cells (gametes) to produce four genetically unique haploid cells for sexual reproduction.
Step 2: Analyze the chromosome number in the resulting cells. Mitosis maintains the chromosome number of the parent cell, producing diploid cells (2n), while meiosis reduces the chromosome number by half, producing haploid cells (n). This reduction is crucial for maintaining the species' chromosome number during fertilization.
Step 3: Examine the number of cell divisions involved. Mitosis involves a single round of cell division, resulting in two daughter cells. Meiosis involves two rounds of cell division (meiosis I and meiosis II), resulting in four daughter cells.
Step 4: Consider the genetic composition of the resulting cells. Mitosis produces genetically identical cells, ensuring consistency in somatic cell function. Meiosis introduces genetic variation through processes like crossing over and independent assortment, which occur during meiosis I.
Step 5: Summarize the key difference. Mitosis produces two genetically identical diploid cells, while meiosis produces four genetically unique haploid cells. This distinction is essential for understanding their roles in growth, repair, and reproduction.