A cell that begins mitosis with 46 chromosomes produces daughter cells with chromosomes.a. 13;b. 23;c. 46;d. 92

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that mitosis is a type of cell division that results in two daughter cells each having the same number and kind of chromosomes as the parent nucleus, typical of ordinary tissue growth.
2. Recognize that the original cell in this problem starts with 46 chromosomes, which is the typical number of chromosomes in a human somatic cell.
3. Recall that during mitosis, the chromosomes in the parent cell replicate during the S phase of interphase, before mitosis begins.
4. Note that during the metaphase of mitosis, these chromosomes align at the metaphase plate and are then separated into two sets during anaphase, ensuring each new nucleus receives a complete set of chromosomes.
5. Conclude that since mitosis creates genetically identical daughter cells, each daughter cell will also have 46 chromosomes, the same as the parent cell.

Key Concepts

Mitosis

Mitosis is a type of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells, each with the same number of chromosomes as the original cell. In humans, somatic cells undergo mitosis to maintain the diploid number of chromosomes, which is 46. This process is crucial for growth, repair, and asexual reproduction.

Chromosome Number

Chromosome number refers to the total count of chromosomes in a cell. In humans, somatic cells have 46 chromosomes, organized into 23 pairs. During mitosis, the chromosome number remains constant, meaning that each daughter cell will also have 46 chromosomes, ensuring genetic continuity.

Daughter Cells

Daughter cells are the two new cells that result from the division of a parent cell during mitosis. Each daughter cell inherits an identical set of chromosomes from the parent cell, maintaining the same chromosome number. This is essential for the proper functioning and genetic stability of tissues in multicellular organisms.