Which process results in two genetically identical daughter cells?

• A. Mitosis
• B. Meiosis
• C. Fertilization
• D. Budding

Answer: (A)

Mitosis divides a cell’s nucleus to form two genetically identical daughter cells. After DNA is replicated, each chromosome has sister chromatids. During mitosis the chromatids separate and are pulled to opposite ends of the cell, and cytokinesis splits the cytoplasm, producing two separate cells. Because the chromosome number stays the same and no genetic mixing occurs in this division, the daughter cells are genetically identical to the original cell (ignoring rare mutations). This contrasts with meiosis, which creates four genetically diverse haploid cells, fertilization which fuses two gametes, and budding which forms a new growth that can become an individual rather than two identical daughter cells from one division.