Question

Mitosis results in ________ chromosome number, whereas meiosis results in ________ chromosome number.

- a doubling of; no change in
- no change in; a doubling of
- a reduction by half in; no change in
- no change in; no change in
- no change in; a reduction by half in

Answer 1

Mitosis leads to two genetically identical diploid cells, maintaining the original chromosome number, while meiosis produces four genetically varied haploid cells, reducing the chromosome number by half.

Step-by-step explanation:

Mitosis and meiosis are two forms of cell division in eukaryotic cells that serve different purposes. Mitosis results in no change in the chromosome number, producing two diploid cells that are genetically identical to the parent cell.

On the other hand, meiosis is a two-stage process resulting in a reduction by half in the chromosome number, creating four haploid cells with genetic variation due to processes like crossing over and independent assortment, which occur during meiosis I. Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is: Mitosis results in no change in chromosome number, whereas meiosis results in a reduction by half in chromosome number.