Which statement best describes a difference between mitosis and meiosis?

Mitosis is characterized by its process of producing genetically identical daughter cells, making it essential for growth, repair, and asexual reproduction in organisms. During mitosis, one cell divides to produce two new cells that are clones of the original, containing the same number of chromosomes and identical genetic material. This ensures that every new cell has the exact same DNA sequence, which is crucial for maintaining the function and characteristics of tissues in an organism.

In contrast to mitosis, meiosis involves two rounds of cell division and leads to the production of gametes (sperm and eggs) that are genetically diverse due to processes such as crossing over and independent assortment. This genetic variation is essential for sexual reproduction and the evolution of species.

The other statements do not accurately capture the fundamental differences in genetic outcomes or processes involved in mitosis and meiosis. Therefore, the focus on the production of genetically identical cells clearly highlights the key aspect of mitosis compared to meiosis, validating the choice of this statement as the best description of the difference between the two processes.