Final answer:
The purpose of mitosis is for cellular growth and repair, resulting in genetically identical diploid cells, while meiosis is for gamete formation and genetic variation, resulting in distinct haploid cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
The distinction between mitosis and meiosis is a critical concept in understanding cellular division. Option B correctly indicates that the purpose of mitosis is for growth and tissue repair and that the process results in two diploid daughter cells that are genetically identical to the parent cell. On the other hand, the purpose of meiosis is for gamete formation (sperm and eggs) and to introduce genetic variation. Meiosis results in four haploid daughter cells, each genetically distinct from one another and from the parent cell. It is important to note that crossing over and genetic shuffling, which are processes that increase genetic diversity, occur during meiosis but not in mitosis.
Mitosis produces genetically identical daughter cells and is involved in growth and tissue repair. On the other hand, meiosis produces genetically diverse gametes for sexual reproduction and introduces genetic variation. Additionally, mitosis results in diploid cells, while meiosis results in haploid cells.