Question

What is the difference between mitosis and meiosis? A. Mitosis produces 2 genetically unique haploid cells, while meiosis produces 4 genetically unique haploid cells. B. Mitosis produces 4 genetically identical diploid cells, while meiosis produces 2 genetically unique haploid cells. C. Mitosis produces 2 genetically identical diploid cells, while meiosis produces 4 genetically unique haploid cells. D. Mitosis produces 4 genetically identical diploid cells, while meiosis produces 2 genetically identical diploid cells.

Answer 1

The correct answer is C. Mitosis produces 2 genetically identical diploid cells, while meiosis produces 4 genetically unique haploid cells.

Mitosis is where a parent cell duplicates its genetic information before dividing into 2, therefore, the daughter cells from mitosis are completely identical to their parent cell and the other daughter cell, and we call the cells which has complete genetic information as diploid. Mitosis is very useful in repairing, growth, asexual reproduction etc.

Meanwhile, meiosis involves 2 times of division. The parent cell first duplicates its genetic information, but then swapping them, and divide. 2 new cells are produced. Then these 2 cells are further divided but without duplicating the genetic material. Therefore, this results in 4 genetically different cells. We call them haploid, as they only have half of the chromosomes from their parent, which is the opposite of diploid. Meiosis is important in producing sex cells.