How do mitosis and meiosis differ in terms of genetic variation and chromosome number in daughter cells?

• A. Mitosis yields four genetically identical diploid cells; meiosis yields two genetically unique haploid gametes.
• B. Mitosis yields two genetically identical diploid daughter cells; meiosis yields four genetically unique haploid gametes.
• C. Mitosis yields two genetically different haploid cells; meiosis yields four genetically identical diploid gametes.
• D. Mitosis yields four haploid cells; meiosis yields two diploid cells.

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that mitosis maintains the same chromosome number and produces genetically identical daughter cells, while meiosis halves the chromosome number and creates genetically diverse gametes. In mitosis, a diploid cell divides once to form two diploid daughter cells that are genetically identical to each other and to the parent (aside from rare mutations). In meiosis, the cell goes through two rounds of division after DNA replication, producing four haploid gametes that are genetically unique due to processes like crossing over and independent assortment. Therefore, the statement describing two identical diploid daughter cells from mitosis and four genetically unique haploid gametes from meiosis captures both the chromosome-number changes and the variation outcomes. Other options misstate either the number of divisions, the ploidy of the daughters, or whether the daughters are identical or diverse.