Which statement accurately compares mitosis and meiosis?

The statement about homologous pairs aligning during meiosis, and not during mitosis, is accurate because of the fundamental differences in these two types of cell division. During meiosis, specifically in the first division (meiosis I), homologous chromosomes pair up and align at the metaphase plate, allowing for genetic recombination and the subsequent separation of these pairs into different cells. This alignment is crucial for ensuring that each gamete receives only one chromosome from each homologous pair, which is essential for sexual reproduction.

In contrast, mitosis is a process that results in two genetically identical daughter cells, and it involves the separation of sister chromatids rather than homologous chromosomes. During mitosis, each chromosome aligns individually at the metaphase plate, without the pairing seen in meiosis. This difference highlights the distinct purposes of these two processes: mitosis for growth and repair, and meiosis for the production of gametes.

Understanding this key distinction helps clarify the roles that mitosis and meiosis play in the life cycle of organisms and the maintenance of genetic continuity and variability.