What type of cell divides to form daughter cells through the processes of mitosis or meiosis?

The process of cell division, whether through mitosis or meiosis, begins with a parent cell. In both processes, the parent cell undergoes a series of steps that ultimately lead to the formation of new cells.

In mitosis, a parent cell duplicates its genetic material and divides to produce two genetically identical daughter cells, which are essential for growth and repair in multicellular organisms. In contrast, meiosis, which occurs only in the formation of gametes (sperm and eggs), results in four genetically diverse daughter cells, each containing half the number of chromosomes compared to the parent cell.

Understanding the role of the parent cell is crucial because it is the starting point for either type of division. The options referring to gametes, zygotes, and daughter cells represent different stages or types of cells in reproductive biology, but none of them serve as the initial divider. Therefore, recognizing the function of the parent cell clarifies its fundamental role in both mitosis and meiosis, making it the correct answer in this context.