Three models of cellular reproduction are shown below.
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Which explanation about cellular reproduction is best supported by the models?
a
Binary fission and mitosis both produce daughter cells that are identical to the parent cells
b
Meiosis and binary fission both include the process of crossing over during cellular replication.
c
Meiosis and mitosis both produce daughter cells with fewer chromosomes than the parent cells.
d
Mitosis and meiosis both produce diploid and haploid gametes during cellular replication.
a
Binary fission and mitosis both produce daughter cells that are identical to the parent cells.
To determine the best-supported explanation about cellular reproduction based on the given models, we need to analyze each model and the processes they depict.
Model 1 shows binary fission, which is a form of cellular reproduction found in prokaryotic organisms. In binary fission, a single cell divides into two identical daughter cells. This process results in the production of identical cells and supports option a, which states that binary fission produces daughter cells that are identical to the parent cells.
Model 2 depicts mitosis, a form of cell division found in eukaryotic organisms. In mitosis, a single cell divides into two identical daughter cells with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell. This process also supports option a, as mitosis produces daughter cells that are identical to the parent cells.
Model 3 represents meiosis, a specialized form of cell division involved in the production of gametes, such as sperm and eggs. Meiosis reduces the number of chromosomes in the resulting cells, halving the number compared to the parent cell. This supports option c, which states that meiosis produces daughter cells with fewer chromosomes than the parent cells.
Based on the analysis of the models, the best-supported explanation about cellular reproduction is option c: Meiosis and mitosis both produce daughter cells with fewer chromosomes than the parent cells.