How does mitosis differ from meiosis?

Mitosis and meiosis are two distinct processes of cell division that serve different purposes in organisms. The correct response highlights that mitosis is primarily involved in growth and repair of tissues, resulting in two genetically identical daughter cells. This is essential for replacing damaged cells and supporting growth throughout an organism's lifetime.

On the other hand, meiosis is a specialized type of cell division that occurs only in the production of gametes—sperm and egg cells—allowing for sexual reproduction. Meiosis involves two rounds of division, leading to four non-identical daughter cells, each with half the number of chromosomes of the original cell. This reduction in chromosome number is crucial for maintaining the species' chromosome number across generations when fertilization occurs.

The distinction in function and outcome between mitosis and meiosis underscores their different roles in an organism’s lifecycle, making the provided answer accurate.