Cell division vocabulary — Which term below is least related to mitosis (i.e., it pertains primarily to meiosis or a different biological context)?

Introduction / Context:
Mitosis produces genetically identical nuclei for growth, repair, and asexual reproduction in somatic cells. Meiosis, in contrast, produces gametes (sex cells) with half the chromosome number. Distinguishing these contexts prevents conceptual mix-ups in introductory cell biology.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Mitosis occurs in somatic tissues.
• Gametes arise by meiosis in germ-line tissues.
• Both processes involve chromosomes and spindle structures; DNA replication precedes both in S phase.

Concept / Approach:
Ask which word most strongly signals meiosis rather than mitosis. ‘‘Gametes’’ are the products of meiosis (e.g., sperm and egg in animals). The rest of the terms are directly used in the mitotic context as well.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard cell-cycle diagrams show mitosis occurring after G2, whereas gametogenesis branches via meiosis I and II to form haploid gametes.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• b/c/e: All are central features of mitosis.
• d: Somatic cells are precisely the cells that divide by mitosis.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming DNA replication is exclusive to meiosis; replication precedes both mitosis and meiosis during S phase.

Final Answer:
Gametes