Pick up the correct statement :
(a) Mitosis occurs in somatic cells and meiosis in germ cells
(b) DNA replicates once in mitosis and twice in meiosis
`(c)`Mitosis and meiosis occur both in sexually and asexually reproducing organisms.

Options

A. a only
B. b only
C. c only
D. a and b only

Answer

To solve the question, we need to analyze each of the given statements about mitosis and meiosis and determine which one is correct.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Analyze Statement (a)**: "Mitosis occurs in somatic cells and meiosis in germ cells."
- Mitosis is the process of cell division that occurs in somatic (non-reproductive) cells, allowing for growth and repair.
- Meiosis is the process that occurs in germ cells (reproductive cells) to produce gametes (sperm and eggs).
- **Conclusion**: This statement is correct.

2. **Analyze Statement (b)**: "DNA replicates once in mitosis and twice in meiosis."
- In mitosis, DNA replication occurs once during the S phase of the cell cycle before the cell divides.
- In meiosis, DNA also replicates once before the process begins, but meiosis consists of two rounds of division (meiosis I and meiosis II) without an additional replication phase in between.
- **Conclusion**: This statement is incorrect because DNA does not replicate twice in meiosis.

3. **Analyze Statement (c)**: "Mitosis and meiosis occur both in sexually and asexually reproducing organisms."
- Mitosis occurs in both sexually and asexually reproducing organisms, as it is essential for growth and repair.
- However, meiosis only occurs in sexually reproducing organisms, as it is involved in the formation of gametes.
- **Conclusion**: This statement is incorrect because meiosis does not occur in asexually reproducing organisms.

### Final Conclusion:
Based on the analysis, the only correct statement is:
**(a) Mitosis occurs in somatic cells and meiosis in germ cells.**