During mitosis in a typical somatic cell, why are the daughter cells genetically identical to the parent cell (assuming no mutations)?

• A. Because cytokinesis randomly partitions chromosomes, but identical gene expression patterns restore the original genome
• B. Because mitosis reduces the chromosome number by half, ensuring each daughter cell matches the parent genome
• C. Because sister chromatids are separated and equally distributed to each daughter cell after DNA replication in S phase
• D. Because homologous chromosomes undergo crossing over during prophase, creating identical chromatids

Answer: (C)