Select the correct answer. Which statement best compares the role of meiosis in a unicellular and a multicellular organisms? A. Meiosis is the mechanism used for producing somatic cells in unicellular as well as multicellular organisms. B. Meiosis is the mechanism used for producing gametes in unicellular organisms and somatic cells in multicellular organisms. C. Meiosis is the mechanism used for producing gametes in multicellular organisms whereas it does not play any role in unicellular organisms.

The correct answer is: **C. Meiosis is the mechanism used for producing gametes in multicellular organisms whereas it does not play any role in unicellular organisms.** **Explanation:** - **Multicellular Organisms:** In multicellular organisms, meiosis is crucial for producing gametes (sperm and eggs in animals, spores in plants). This process ensures genetic diversity through the reduction of chromosome numbers by half, which is essential for sexual reproduction. - **Unicellular Organisms:** Most unicellular organisms reproduce asexually through processes like binary fission or budding, which do not involve meiosis. While some unicellular organisms can undergo sexual processes that resemble meiosis, it is not a primary or common role as it is in multicellular organisms. **Why Other Options Are Incorrect:** - **Option A:** Incorrect because meiosis is not used for producing somatic (body) cells; mitosis handles somatic cell production in both unicellular and multicellular organisms. - **Option B:** Incorrect because, in multicellular organisms, meiosis does not produce somatic cells but rather gametes. Additionally, while some unicellular organisms might use meiosis-like processes, it's not their primary method of cell production. --- **Answer:** Option C. Meiosis is the mechanism used for producing gametes in multicellular organisms whereas it does not play any role in unicellular organisms.