Final answer:
Meiosis is important for creating genetically diverse offspring through sexual reproduction, while mitosis produces genetically identical cells. Meiosis reduces the number of chromosomes in gametes by half and allows for the combination of genetic material from two parents, resulting in unique offspring.
Step-by-step explanation:
The importance of performing meiosis instead of mitosis in certain conditions is due to the fact that meiosis creates genetically diverse offspring, while mitosis produces genetically identical cells. This genetic diversity is essential for sexual reproduction, as it allows for the combination of genetic material from two parent organisms, resulting in offspring with unique traits. Additionally, meiosis reduces the number of chromosomes in gametes by half, ensuring that when the gametes fuse during fertilization, the resulting zygote will have the correct number of chromosomes.
For example, humans reproduce through meiosis to produce eggs and sperm. Each egg and sperm carries a unique combination of genetic material from the parents, leading to genetic diversity in the offspring. This genetic diversity allows for adaptation to changing environments and contributes to the survival and evolution of a species.
In contrast, mitosis is primarily involved in growth, repair, and asexual reproduction. It produces genetically identical daughter cells that are essential for tissue growth and replacement, but not for introducing genetic variation.