Which of the following types of organisms replicate their cells by mitosis?

• A. Archaea
• B. Viruses
• C. Bacteria
• D. Animals

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the process of mitosis. Mitosis is a type of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells. It is primarily used for growth, repair, and asexual reproduction in eukaryotic organisms.
2. Step 2: Recognize that mitosis occurs only in eukaryotic cells. Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, which are essential for the mitotic process. Prokaryotic organisms, such as bacteria and archaea, do not undergo mitosis because they lack a nucleus.
3. Step 3: Analyze the given options. Archaea and bacteria are prokaryotic organisms, meaning they replicate their cells through binary fission, not mitosis. Viruses are not considered living organisms and do not have cells; they replicate by hijacking a host cell's machinery.
4. Step 4: Identify animals as eukaryotic organisms. Animals have cells with a nucleus and organelles, making them capable of undergoing mitosis for cell replication.
5. Step 5: Conclude that animals are the correct answer because they are eukaryotic organisms that replicate their cells by mitosis, unlike archaea, bacteria, and viruses.