Which of the following is a crucial difference between the function of mitosis and meiosis?
Understand the Problem
The question asks to distinguish the fundamental difference between mitosis and meiosis based on their functions. It requires understanding the purpose of each process in cell division.
Answer
Mitosis produces identical cells for growth/repair; meiosis produces unique sex cells for sexual reproduction.
The crucial difference between mitosis and meiosis lies in their outcomes: mitosis produces two genetically identical cells for growth and repair, while meiosis produces four genetically unique sex cells with half the DNA for sexual reproduction and genetic variation.
Answer for screen readers
The crucial difference between mitosis and meiosis lies in their outcomes: mitosis produces two genetically identical cells for growth and repair, while meiosis produces four genetically unique sex cells with half the DNA for sexual reproduction and genetic variation.
More Information
Mitosis is used for growth, repair, and asexual reproduction, while meiosis is essential for sexual reproduction and genetic diversity within a species.
Tips
A common mistake is thinking both processes create identical cells. Mitosis does, but meiosis creates genetically unique cells.
Sources
- Make Like a Cell and Split: Comparing Mitosis and Meiosis - BioBeat - biobeat.nigms.nih.gov
- Mitosis vs. Meiosis: Key Differences, Chart and Venn Diagram - technologynetworks.com
- Mitosis versus meiosis - Yourgenome.org - yourgenome.org
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