Question:
Solution:
The correct answer is:
MITOSIS:
Definition: A process of asexual division or division of somatic cells, where a single nucleus gives rise to two nuclei that are genetically identical to each other and to the parent nucleus.
Asexual reproduction, sometimes called vegetative reproduction, is based on the mitotic division of the nucleus. Consequently, it produces a clone of offspring that are genetically identical to the parent.
Type of cells that undergo this process: somatic cells in humans.
A somatic cell is any cell in the human body except sperm and egg cells. Somatic cells are diploid, that is, they contain two sets of chromosomes, one inherited from each parent.
The number of cell divisions: one division.
Is the parent cell diploid or haploid? : Diploid.
Are the daughter cells diploid or haploid? : Diploid.
The number of chromosomes in a human parent cell: 46 chromosomes.
The number of chromosomes in a human daughter cell: 46 chromosomes.
The number of daughter cells produced: 2 diploid daughter cells.
Are the daughter cells identical or genetically unique? : Identical. Reproduction by mitosis results in genetic constancy.
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MEIOSIS:
Definition: A process of division in which the number of chromosomes is reduced by half.
Meiosis occurs in all organisms that reproduce sexually e.g., all eukaryotes: humans, animals, plants, fungi. Meiosis does not occur in archaea or bacteria because they reproduce asexually.
Type of cells that undergo this process: Germ cells, in humans.
In fact, the gametes come from germ cells, which are cells that have the complete set (diploid). Meiosis is a special process of cell division that occurs only in germ cells to produce Gametes (spermatocytes and the ovum).
The number of cell divisions: two divisions: meiosis 1 and meiosis 2.
Is the parent cell diploid or haploid? : Diploid. For example, in oogenesis, the cells that will undergo meiosis are diploid and are called primary oocytes.
Are the daughter cells diploid or haploid? : Haploid.
The number of chromosomes in a human parent cell: 46 chromosomes. As I said before, consider the process called oogenesis in which the cells that will undergo meiosis are diploid and are called primary oocytes.
The number of chromosomes in a human daughter cell: Reduced by half. That is 23 chromosomes. These cells are produced by spermatogenesis or oogenesis and are the spermatocytes and the ovum, respectively.
The number of daughter cells produced: 4 haploid cells.
Are the daughter cells identical or genetically unique? : Genetically unique. In fact, reproduction by meiosis produces genetic diversity.