What is one of the primary differences between mitosis and meiosis?

One of the primary differences between mitosis and meiosis is that mitosis produces identical cells. This process results in two daughter cells that are genetically identical to the original parent cell, maintaining the same chromosome number and genetic information. This is crucial for processes such as growth, tissue repair, and asexual reproduction, where maintaining the integrity of genetic material is essential.

In contrast, meiosis is a two-step division process that results in four non-identical daughter cells, each with half the chromosome number of the parent cell. This is vital for sexual reproduction as it produces gametes (sperm and egg cells) for fertilization, introducing genetic variability in the offspring through mechanisms like crossing over and independent assortment.

The other choices do not accurately capture the primary differences: meiosis involves two divisions, not one; both processes do not occur in all cell types, as meiosis is specific to gamete formation; and mitosis is not directly involved in sexual reproduction, as that role belongs to meiosis.