Question

Compare and contrast mitotic cell division and meiotic cell division in terms of number of products, number of cell divisions, and processes unique to each.

a) Mitotic division produces two identical daughter cells; meiotic division produces four non-identical daughter cells.
b) Mitotic division involves one cell division; meiotic division involves two consecutive cell divisions.
c) Mitotic division results in genetically identical cells; meiotic division results in genetic variation due to crossing over and independent assortment.
d) Mitotic division occurs in somatic cells; meiotic division occurs in germ cells.

Answer 1

Mitosis and meiosis differ in the number of divisions, the number of daughter cells produced, and the genetic variability of the resulting cells; mitosis yields two identical daughter cells while meiosis produces four genetically diverse cells.

Step-by-step explanation:

Comparing mitotic cell division and meiotic cell division involves highlighting the characteristics that define the two processes:

• a) Mitotic division produces two identical daughter cells; meiotic division produces four non-identical daughter cells.
• b) Mitotic division involves one cell division; meiotic division involves two consecutive cell divisions.
• c) Mitotic division results in genetically identical cells; meiotic division results in genetic variation due to crossing over and independent assortment.
• d) Mitotic division occurs in somatic cells; meiotic division occurs in germ cells that eventually form gametes.

In mitosis, the parent cell divides once to produce two genetically identical diploid daughter cells. In contrast, during meiosis, the parent cell undergoes two successive divisions, resulting in four genetically diverse haploid cells, which is essential for sexual reproduction.