What is the major chromosomal outcome of mitosis for daughter cells?

• A. They are genetically identical to the parent (diploid, same chromosome number).
• B. They have half the chromosome number.
• C. They are genetically diverse.
• D. They have double the chromosome number.

Answer: (A)

In mitosis, the goal is to distribute an identical set of chromosomes to two new cells. After DNA replication, each chromosome has two sister chromatids, and when they separate, each daughter cell gets one complete set of chromosomes. This preserves the organism’s chromosome number and the genetic content, so the daughter cells are genetically identical to the parent and to each other. That’s why mitosis yields two diploid, genetically identical cells. This is different from meiosis, which halves the chromosome number and creates genetic diversity through recombination and independent assortment.