Final answer:
Mitosis and meiosis differ in genetic variability, chromosome number, and their role in reproduction, with mitosis resulting in genetically identical diploid cells, and meiosis leading to genetically unique haploid gametes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The three fundamental differences between cells produced by mitotic cell reproduction and meiotic cell reproduction are:
- Genetic Variability: Mitotic cell reproduction results in daughter cells that are genetically identical to the parent cell, whereas meiotic cell reproduction results in daughter cells that are genetically unique due to crossing over and independent assortment.
- Number of Chromosomes: Cells produced by mitosis maintain the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell, typically resulting in diploid cells. In contrast, meiosis produces gametes with half the number of chromosomes, making them haploid.
- Role in Reproduction: Mitosis is involved in growth, tissue repair, and asexual reproduction, producing cells that function throughout the body. Meiosis, however, is specific to sexual reproduction, generating sperm and eggs intended to combine during fertilization to produce a zygote.
These differences are crucial as they dictate the role and function of the resulting cells within an organism, with mitosis serving tissue maintenance and growth, and meiosis enabling genetic diversity and the continuation of species through sexual reproduction.