Difficulty: Medium

Average Score: 67%

What is true of mitosis?

Rationale

Sister chromatids separate to produce two diploid daughter cells.

During mitosis, the sister chromatids are pulled apart and distributed into two separate daughter cells, each retaining the diploid number of chromosomes. This process ensures that the genetic material is accurately replicated and divided, allowing for growth and tissue repair in organisms.

A (Sister chromatids separate to produce two diploid daughter cells.) CORRECT

This statement accurately describes the outcome of mitosis, where the replicated chromosomes, known as sister chromatids, are separated during anaphase. Following this separation, the resulting two daughter cells each contain the same diploid number of chromosomes as the original cell, maintaining genetic consistency.

B (The daughter cells produced are gametes.) YOUR ANSWER

This statement is incorrect because mitosis produces somatic cells, not gametes. Gametes are produced through meiosis, which involves the formation of haploid cells necessary for sexual reproduction. Mitosis, in contrast, results in diploid daughter cells that are identical to the parent cell.

C (Homologous chromosomes are separated to produce four haploid daughter cells.) YOUR ANSWER

This choice misrepresents the process of mitosis. Homologous chromosomes are separated during meiosis, not mitosis. Mitosis results in the separation of sister chromatids, leading to two diploid daughter cells, not four haploid cells.

D (A cell undergoes two cell divisions.) YOUR ANSWER

This statement describes meiosis rather than mitosis. Mitosis involves a single cell division that results in two daughter cells. In contrast, meiosis consists of two rounds of division, ultimately producing four haploid cells.

Conclusion

Mitosis is a crucial process for cell division, resulting in two identical diploid daughter cells through the separation of sister chromatids. Misunderstandings often arise with terms related to meiosis, such as homologous chromosomes and gametes, which are not relevant to mitosis. Understanding the distinctions between these processes is essential for grasping fundamental concepts in cell biology and genetics.

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