Final answer:
The true statement is D. Meiosis involves two cell divisions, which leads to four unique haploid cells. This process is different from mitosis, where only one cell division occurs, resulting in two identical diploid cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct statement regarding mitosis and meiosis is D. Meiosis involves two cell divisions. Meiosis is a form of cell division that results in four genetically diverse haploid cells, each containing half the number of chromosomes of the original cell. Contrary to mitosis, which results in two genetically identical diploid cells. In meiosis, this decrease in chromosome number is accomplished by having one round of DNA replication followed by two rounds of nuclear divisions, known as meiosis I and meiosis II.
During meiosis I, homologous chromosomes are separated, and in meiosis II, the sister chromatids of each chromosome are pulled apart into separate cells. This process creates gametes—in animals, these are sperm and eggs—with half the usual number of chromosomes. Each gamete is genetically unique due to genetic recombination and independent assortment during meiosis. This is in stark contrast to mitosis, which is the process of cell division used for growth and maintenance of somatic cells, resulting in identical diploid daughter cells.