In eukaryotic cells, the overall purpose of mitosis is to produce which of the following?

• A. Two genetically distinct daughter cells with new combinations of alleles generated by crossing over
• B. Two genetically identical daughter cells with the same chromosome number as the parent cell
• C. One diploid cell and one haploid cell due to unequal chromosome segregation
• D. Four genetically distinct haploid cells with half the chromosome number of the parent cell

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the purpose of mitosis in eukaryotic cells. Mitosis is a type of cell division that results in two daughter cells.
2. Step 2: Recall that mitosis produces daughter cells that are genetically identical to the parent cell, maintaining the same chromosome number.
3. Step 3: Differentiate mitosis from meiosis, where meiosis produces genetically distinct haploid cells with half the chromosome number.
4. Step 4: Recognize that crossing over and new allele combinations occur during meiosis, not mitosis.
5. Step 5: Conclude that mitosis results in two genetically identical daughter cells with the same chromosome number as the parent cell.