Which process results in daughter cells whose DNA is identical to that of the parent cell?

• A. Crossing over
• B. Mitosis
• C. Meiosis
• D. Fertilization

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the key processes listed in the problem: Mitosis, Meiosis, Crossing Over, and Fertilization. Each of these processes plays a distinct role in cellular reproduction or genetic variation.
2. Recall that Mitosis is the process by which a single cell divides to produce two genetically identical daughter cells. This is crucial for growth, repair, and asexual reproduction in multicellular organisms.
3. Contrast Mitosis with Meiosis, which is a process that produces gametes (sperm and egg cells) with half the genetic material of the parent cell. Meiosis involves genetic recombination and results in genetically diverse cells.
4. Understand that Crossing Over occurs during Meiosis, specifically in Prophase I, and contributes to genetic variation by exchanging DNA between homologous chromosomes. It does not produce identical daughter cells.
5. Recognize that Fertilization is the fusion of two gametes (sperm and egg) to form a zygote, which restores the diploid chromosome number. This process combines genetic material from two parents, resulting in genetic diversity rather than identical DNA.