Question

Which of the following correctly describes how mitosis and meiosis are different?

1) Mitosis produces genetically identical daughter cells, while meiosis produces genetically unique daughter cells.
2) Sister chromatids separate during meiosis but not mitosis.
3) The number of chromosomes is doubled after mitosis, while the number of chromosomes remains the same after meiosis.
4) DNA replication occurs prior to mitosis but not meiosis.

Answer 1

Mitosis results in two genetically identical diploid daughter cells, while meiosis leads to four genetically unique haploid cells. The key distinction lies in the number of nuclear divisions and the occurrence of genetic mixing, which is pivotal for sexual reproduction. The correct option is 1) Mitosis produces genetically identical daughter cells, while meiosis produces genetically unique daughter cells.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct description of how mitosis and meiosis are different is: 1) Mitosis produces genetically identical daughter cells, while meiosis produces genetically unique daughter cells. This is because mitosis is a single nuclear division resulting in two diploid cells that are exact copies of the parent cell, thus supporting asexual reproduction and growth or repair.

In contrast, meiosis includes two nuclear divisions that produce four haploid cells, each genetically distinct due to processes like crossing over, which increases genetic diversity for sexual reproduction. The correct option is 1) Mitosis produces genetically identical daughter cells, while meiosis produces genetically unique daughter cells.