Question

which of the following is true regarding a difference between mitosis and meiosis?
a. mitosis results in two daughter cells each with a complete set of genes, meiosis results in four daughter cells with half the genes
b. mitosis results in four daughter cells each with a complete set of genes, meiosis results in two daughter cells with half the genes
c. mitosis produces four genetically identical daughter cells, meiosis produces two genetically identical daughter cells
d. mitosis produces two genetically different daughter cells, meiosis produces four genetically identical daughter cells

Explanation:

To solve this, recall the key differences between mitosis and meiosis:

• Mitosis: A type of cell division for growth/repair. It produces 2 daughter cells, each with a full (diploid) set of genes, and the cells are genetically identical to the parent and each other.
• Meiosis: A type of cell division for sexual reproduction (gamete formation). It produces 4 daughter cells, each with half (haploid) the number of genes, and the cells are genetically diverse.

Now analyze the options:

• Option A: Matches the above: Mitosis → 2 cells (full genes); Meiosis → 4 cells (half genes).
• Option B: Incorrect (mitosis makes 2, not 4; meiosis makes 4, not 2).
• Option C: Incorrect (mitosis makes 2, meiosis makes 4; both “genetically identical” is wrong for meiosis).
• Option D: Incorrect (mitosis cells are identical, meiosis cells are different).

Answer:

A. Mitosis results in two daughter cells each with a complete set of genes, meiosis results in four daughter cells with half the genes