Distinguishing Mitosis from Meiosis

Steps:

• Recall mitosis produces two identical diploid daughter cells for growth and repair.
• Recall meiosis produces four genetically diverse haploid daughter cells for gamete formation.
• Evaluate each option against these definitions to identify the accurate statement.
• Confirm the correct choice aligns with meiosis's role in genetic variation.

Why B is correct:

• Meiosis involves crossing over and independent assortment, creating genetically different daughter cells as defined in cell biology.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Meiosis produces gametes for reproduction, not growth and repair—that's mitosis.
• C: Mitosis maintains the diploid chromosome number; halving occurs in meiosis.
• D: Mitosis yields two daughter cells; four result from meiosis.

Final answer: B