What is the outcome of mitosis in terms of the number of daughter cells and their genetic makeup?

• A. Four haploid daughter cells that are genetically identical
• B. One diploid cell
• C. Four haploid daughter cells that are genetically different
• D. Two diploid daughter cells that are genetically identical

Answer: (D)

Mitosis produces two daughter cells that are genetically identical and maintain the same chromosome number as the parent. After DNA is replicated, each chromosome consists of sister chromatids, and during mitosis these chromatids separate and are allocated to opposite daughter cells. Cytokinesis then completes the division, yielding two cells that are diploid (if the original cell was diploid) and genetically identical to each other and to the original cell (ignoring new mutations). This is distinct from meiosis, which creates four haploid cells that are typically genetically different due to crossing over and independent assortment. So the outcome is two diploid daughter cells that are genetically identical.