A human body cell has 46 chromosomes. Which of the following diagrams best represents the outcome of mitosis in a human body cell?

• A. Two daughter cells, each with 46 chromosomes
• B. One daughter cell with 92 chromosomes
• C. Two daughter cells, each with 23 chromosomes
• D. Four daughter cells, each with 23 chromosomes

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the process of 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 parent cell. It is essential for growth, repair, and maintenance in multicellular organisms.
2. Recall the chromosome number in human body cells: Human somatic (body) cells are diploid, meaning they contain 46 chromosomes (23 pairs). This number remains constant during mitosis.
3. Analyze the stages of mitosis: During mitosis, the parent cell duplicates its chromosomes during the S phase of the cell cycle, ensuring that each daughter cell receives a complete set of 46 chromosomes. The key stages include prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase, followed by cytokinesis.
4. Evaluate the options provided: The correct representation of mitosis in a human body cell is two daughter cells, each with 46 chromosomes. This outcome ensures genetic consistency and maintains the diploid chromosome number.
5. Eliminate incorrect options: One daughter cell with 92 chromosomes is incorrect because mitosis does not double the chromosome number in a single cell. Two daughter cells, each with 23 chromosomes, and four daughter cells, each with 23 chromosomes, are incorrect because these outcomes are characteristic of meiosis, not mitosis.