How do mitosis and meiosis differ?

Mitosis and meiosis serve distinct functions in cellular division, and the difference highlighted in the correct choice is central to understanding their roles in reproduction and growth.

Mitosis is a process that results in the production of two daughter cells that are genetically identical to the parent cell, maintaining the same chromosome number. This is crucial for growth, tissue repair, and asexual reproduction, as the genetic makeup remains consistent across cells.

In contrast, meiosis is specialized for the production of gametes—sperm and eggs—through two rounds of division. This process includes mechanisms such as crossing over and independent assortment, which introduce genetic variability among the gametes produced. As a result, the gametes have half the chromosome number of the original cell and are genetically distinct from one another and from the parent cell.

This distinction explains why the chosen answer correctly notes that while mitosis produces identical daughter cells, meiosis generates genetically diverse gametes, which is essential for sexual reproduction and increases the genetic diversity within a population.