What is the outcome of mitosis?

• A. 2 identical daughter cells
• B. 4 genetically diverse cells
• C. 2 haploid gametes
• D. 1 cell

Answer: (A)

Two identical daughter cells result from mitosis. In mitosis, the cell first replicates its DNA, then the sister chromatids separate so that each new nucleus gets an identical set of chromosomes. After cytokinesis divides the cytoplasm, two separate cells are formed. The chromosome number is preserved, so if the original cell was diploid, both daughters are diploid and genetically identical to the parent (aside from any new mutations). This is different from meiosis, which produces four genetically diverse haploid cells, such as gametes; options describing four cells or haploid gametes refer to meiosis, while producing only one cell would mean no division at all.