Question

how is the purpose of meiosis different from the purpose of mitosis? a. meiosis produces identical cells, while mitosis produces cells with genetic variation. b. meiosis produces new cells for eukaryotic organisms, while mitosis produces new cells for prokaryotic organisms. c. meiosis produces gametes for sexual reproduction, while mitosis produces new cells as a method of asexual reproduction. d. mitosis produces sex cells, called gametes, while meiosis combines those gametes as part of sexual reproduction.

Explanation:

• Option A: Mitosis produces identical cells (for growth, repair etc.), meiosis produces cells with genetic variation (due to crossing - over and independent assortment). So this option is incorrect.
• Option B: Both mitosis and meiosis occur in eukaryotic organisms. Prokaryotic organisms reproduce by binary fission. So this option is incorrect.
• Option C: Meiosis produces gametes (sperm and egg) for sexual reproduction. Mitosis is a form of asexual reproduction (in single - celled eukaryotes) and also for growth, repair in multi - celled eukaryotes. This option is correct.
• Option D: Meiosis produces gametes, mitosis does not. Fertilization combines gametes. So this option is incorrect.

Answer:

C. Meiosis produces gametes for sexual reproduction, while mitosis produces new cells as a method of asexual reproduction.