Which of the following best describes the cells produced by mitosis?

• A. Four genetically unique haploid cells
• B. Two genetically identical haploid cells
• C. Four genetically identical diploid cells
• D. Two genetically identical diploid daughter cells

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the process of mitosis: Mitosis is a type of cell division that results in two daughter cells, each having the same number and type of chromosomes as the parent cell. This process is essential for growth, repair, and asexual reproduction in multicellular organisms.
2. Recall the ploidy of the cells involved: In mitosis, the parent cell is diploid (2n), meaning it contains two sets of chromosomes. The daughter cells produced by mitosis will also be diploid (2n), as no reduction in chromosome number occurs during this process.
3. Consider the genetic identity of the daughter cells: During mitosis, the DNA is replicated during the S phase of the cell cycle, and the replicated chromosomes are equally distributed to the two daughter cells. This ensures that the daughter cells are genetically identical to the parent cell and to each other.
4. Eliminate incorrect options: The first option, 'Four genetically unique haploid cells,' describes the outcome of meiosis, not mitosis. The second option, 'Two genetically identical haploid cells,' is incorrect because mitosis does not produce haploid cells. The third option, 'Four genetically identical diploid cells,' is also incorrect because mitosis produces only two daughter cells, not four.
5. Conclude with the correct answer: The correct description of the cells produced by mitosis is 'Two genetically identical diploid daughter cells.' This matches the characteristics of mitosis as described in the earlier steps.