Question

Which of the following is TRUE for Meiosis, but not Mitosis. Select one: a. requires prior DNA replication b. starts in a diploid cell c. generates two diploid cells d. involves two divisions e. creates somatic cells

Answer 1

Option D
Option A is wrong. Both mitosis and meiosis requires prior DNA replication in order to pass the identical copies of cell’s genes to its offspring. This replication begins simultaneously on several chromatin threads and continues until the DNA has been replicated.
(this option is true for both mitosis and meiosis hence it is a wrong option)

Option B is wrong. Both diploid and haploid cell can undergo mitosis. Similarly only diploid cells undergo meiosis.
(even this option is true in both the terms hence it is a wrong option)

Option C is wrong. Mitosis produces two identical diploid cells with 2n chromosomes, meiosis produces four haploid cells with n number of chromosomes. Mitosis does not lead to reduction of the chromosome number whereas in case of meiosis the chromosome number reduces by half and therefore it is also called as reduction division.

Option D is correct. Mitosis involves only one division consisting of prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase but meiosis involves two division which are commonly known as meiosis 1 and meiosis 2, even these two divisions involves prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase but with suffix 1 and 2 respectively.

Option E is wrong. Mainly somatic cells are produced only in case of mitosis, meiosis does not produce somatic cells it only produces cells for reproductions (gametes).