Final answer:
If mitosis were used to create sex cells, they would not be genetically unique, as mitosis produces identical cells. Meiosis, on the other hand, generates genetic variation and is responsible for producing gametes with half the number of chromosomes. Meiosis allows for genetic diversity when gametes fuse during fertilization.
Step-by-step explanation:
If mitosis were used to create sex cells instead of meiosis, the resulting sex cells would not be genetically unique. This is because mitosis produces identical cells, while meiosis generates genetic variation through processes such as crossing over and random alignment of chromosomes.
The purpose of meiosis is to produce gametes with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cells, allowing for genetic diversity when these gametes fuse during fertilization. In contrast, mitosis is involved in growth, repair, and asexual reproduction where genetically identical daughter cells are produced.