Which statement best differentiates meiosis from mitosis?

• A. Mitosis produces haploid cells
• B. Meiosis produces identical diploid cells
• C. Meiosis reduces chromosome number and increases genetic variation
• D. Mitosis reduces chromosome number

Answer: (C)

Meiosis differentiates itself from mitosis by halving the chromosome number and generating genetic diversity. In meiosis, homologous chromosomes pair and cross over, mixing genetic material, and the subsequent independent assortment of chromosomes during division I further shuffles alleles. This leads to haploid gametes that carry a unique combination of genes. In contrast, mitosis preserves the chromosome number and produces two genetically identical diploid cells for growth or repair, with no crossing over between homologs. So the process not only reduces chromosome count but also increases genetic variation, which is exactly what this statement captures.