NCERT Class 9 Science — Chapter 1: The fundamental unit of life

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With reference to Cell Division, which of the following statements distinguishes Meiosis from Mitosis?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AMeiosis produces two identical daughter cells, while mitosis produces four different cells.
BMeiosis produces cells with half the number of chromosomes, while mitosis maintains the chromosome number.
CMeiosis involves a single division, while mitosis involves two consecutive divisions.
DMeiosis occurs in somatic cells for growth, while mitosis occurs in reproductive cells.

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Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is

Meiosis produces cells with half the number of chromosomes, while mitosis maintains the chromosome number.

Explanation

Cell division in eukaryotic organisms occurs primarily through two distinct processes: Mitosis and Meiosis. Mitosis is an equational division where the chromosome number remains constant, serving functions like growth and tissue repair. Meiosis is a reductional division that halves the chromosome number, essential for sexual reproduction and gamete formation.

Option Analysis

Meiosis involves a single division, while mitosis involves two consecutive divisions. is Incorrect. Mitosis involves a single cycle of nuclear and cell division. In contrast, Meiosis involves two consecutive cycles of nuclear and cell division, known as Meiosis I and Meiosis II, but only a single cycle of DNA replication.
Meiosis produces two identical daughter cells, while mitosis produces four different cells. is Incorrect. Mitosis produces two daughter cells that are genetically identical to the parent cell. Meiosis produces four daughter cells that are genetically distinct from each other and the parent cell due to crossing over and independent assortment.
Meiosis produces cells with half the number of chromosomes, while mitosis maintains the chromosome number. is Correct. Mitosis maintains the ploidy level of the parent cell (e.g., a diploid cell produces diploid daughter cells). Meiosis reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in haploid daughter cells from a diploid parent cell. This reduction is crucial to restore the specific chromosome number of the species after fertilization.
Meiosis occurs in somatic cells for growth, while mitosis occurs in reproductive cells. is Incorrect. Mitosis occurs in somatic (body) cells and is responsible for growth, development, and repair. Meiosis occurs exclusively in germ cells (reproductive cells) during the formation of gametes (sperms and ova).

Key Takeaway: The fundamental distinction lies in the outcome: Mitosis results in two genetically identical diploid cells for growth, whereas Meiosis results in four genetically unique haploid cells for sexual reproduction.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: The fundamental unit of life

With reference to Plastids, consider the following statements: 1. They are present only in plant cells. 2. Chromoplasts are colourless plastids, while leucoplasts contain chlorophyll. 3. Unlike mitochondria, plastids lack their own DNA and ribosomes. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which of the following pairs is correctly matched?

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Consider the following statements about Vacuoles: 1. They are small-sized in animal cells while plant cells have very large vacuoles. 2. In Amoeba, the food vacuole is absent. 3. They can play a role in expelling excess water from the cell. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to osmosis, consider the following statements: 1. Osmosis is the net diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane. 2. If a cell is placed in a hypotonic solution, it is likely to shrink. 3. Water molecules pass across the membrane in only one direction during osmosis. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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A plant cell is placed in a hypertonic solution. Which of the following phenomena is most likely to occur?

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Correct Option

The correct option is

Meiosis produces cells with half the number of chromosomes, while mitosis maintains the chromosome number.

Explanation

Option Analysis

Meiosis involves a single division, while mitosis involves two consecutive divisions. is Incorrect. Mitosis involves a single cycle of nuclear and cell division. In contrast, Meiosis involves two consecutive cycles of nuclear and cell division, known as Meiosis I and Meiosis II, but only a single cycle of DNA replication.
Meiosis produces two identical daughter cells, while mitosis produces four different cells. is Incorrect. Mitosis produces two daughter cells that are genetically identical to the parent cell. Meiosis produces four daughter cells that are genetically distinct from each other and the parent cell due to crossing over and independent assortment.
Meiosis produces cells with half the number of chromosomes, while mitosis maintains the chromosome number. is Correct. Mitosis maintains the ploidy level of the parent cell (e.g., a diploid cell produces diploid daughter cells). Meiosis reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in haploid daughter cells from a diploid parent cell. This reduction is crucial to restore the specific chromosome number of the species after fertilization.
Meiosis occurs in somatic cells for growth, while mitosis occurs in reproductive cells. is Incorrect. Mitosis occurs in somatic (body) cells and is responsible for growth, development, and repair. Meiosis occurs exclusively in germ cells (reproductive cells) during the formation of gametes (sperms and ova).