Mitosis creates two diploid daughter cells that are identical to the original cell. This process creates somatic (body cells).

Metaphase is characterized by chromosomes moving to the narrow central zone of the cell called the metaphase plate/equator.

Crossing over is an event that recombines DNA between homologous, non-identical chromosomes. The result is an increase in genetic variation because the resulting daughter cells have slightly different genetic combinations than the original parent cell. Crossing over only occurs during meiosis. This is because homologous chromosomes are only in adjacent positions during prophase I. Crossing over cannot occur during mitosis because this alignment is never present; daughter cells of mitosis are always genetically identical to the parent cell.

Sister chromatids separate during anaphase of mitosis and anaphase II of meiosis. Chromosomes condense and the nuclear membrane dissolves during prophase of mitosis and prophase I of meiosis.

Meiosis allows for increased genetic variation through crossing over and independent assortment. These processes result in daughter cells that are non-identical to the original parent cell. Crossing over describes the exchange of portions of DNA between homologous chromosomes, generating unique allelic combinations. Independent assortment means that the daughter cells of meiosis will have a mixture of genetic material from each set of the organism's alleles, representing DNA from both the mother and father sets of genes. The product of meiosis is four daughter cells that are genetically unique.

Each daughter cell of meiosis has only one copy of each gene, meaning that they are haploid. Only gametes (sex cells) undergo meiosis, allowing for sexual reproduction. The fusion of two haploid gametes results in a diploid cell.

Meiosis is the process that creates gametes (eggs and sperm). The cell divides twice, creating 4 unique daughter cells that contain half (haploid) of the genetic information of the parent cell. Somatic cells are body cells and they are produced via mitosis.

Cellular respiration is composed of many steps used to break down glucose and convert the chemical energy into ATP. Of the four steps described in the answer choices, oxidative phosphorylation via the electron transport chain is the most effective step for producing ATP. The electron transport chain can produce between 32 and 38 ATP from a single glucose molecule.

Glycolysis is the first step of glucose breakdown in cells. This process takes place in the cytosol.

The second step of cellular respiration, the citric acid cycle, takes place in the mitochondrial matrix. The third step, the electron transport chain, takes place on the inner mitochondrial membrane and requires protons to be concentrated within the intermembrane space.

Glycolysis is the first step in cell metabolism. It is responsible for converting glucose (a 6-carbon sugar) into two molecules of pyruvate (a 3-carbon sugar). Glycolysis occurs in the cytoplasm, where the sugar molecules interact directly with enzymes. After pyruvate is created, it is transported to the mitochondria for the remainder of cellular respiration (the citric acid cycle and electron transport chain).

Though plants undergo photosynthesis, they also use cellular respiration. Glycolysis takes place in both animal and plant cells.

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants use the sun's energy to convert water $\displaystyle (H_2O)$ and carbon dioxide $\displaystyle (CO_2)$ into glucose $\displaystyle (C_6H_{12}O_6)$ and oxygen $\displaystyle (O_2)$.

The equation $\displaystyle C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6 O_2 \rightarrow 6 CO_2 + 6 H_2O + ATP$ is the equation for cellular respiration. Cellular respiration happens inside the mitochondria and chloroplast for those cells containing chloroplasts.