What is the main distinction between mitosis and meiosis?

The primary distinction between mitosis and meiosis lies in their outcomes concerning the number of daughter cells produced and their genetic composition. Mitosis is a type of cell division that results in two daughter cells that are genetically identical to the original parent cell, both retaining the same diploid chromosome number. This process is crucial for growth, tissue repair, and asexual reproduction in multicellular organisms.

On the other hand, meiosis is designed for the production of gametes—sperm and egg cells—in sexually reproducing organisms. It consists of two rounds of division (meiosis I and meiosis II), ultimately producing four non-identical daughter cells, each with half the chromosome number of the original cell—these are haploid cells. This reduction in chromosome number is vital for maintaining genetic stability across generations when two gametes combine during fertilization.

Therefore, the correct answer highlights that while mitosis generates two daughter cells, meiosis produces four, which distinctly reflects the differing roles these processes play in growth and reproduction.