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Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements explains why the process of mitosis is essential to life?
A
Mitosis is responsible for the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes.
B
Mitosis ensures that each daughter cell receives an exact copy of the parent cell's genetic material.
C
Mitosis increases genetic variation among offspring.
D
Mitosis produces gametes with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the purpose of mitosis: Mitosis is a type of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells, each with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell. This process is essential for growth, repair, and asexual reproduction in multicellular organisms.
Analyze the first statement: 'Mitosis is responsible for the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes.' This is incorrect because the exchange of genetic material (crossing over) occurs during meiosis, not mitosis.
Evaluate the second statement: 'Mitosis ensures that each daughter cell receives an exact copy of the parent cell's genetic material.' This is correct because mitosis duplicates the parent cell's DNA and distributes it equally to the daughter cells, ensuring genetic consistency.
Analyze the third statement: 'Mitosis increases genetic variation among offspring.' This is incorrect because mitosis produces genetically identical cells, and it does not contribute to genetic variation. Genetic variation is a result of meiosis and sexual reproduction.
Evaluate the fourth statement: 'Mitosis produces gametes with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell.' This is incorrect because gametes (sperm and egg cells) are produced through meiosis, not mitosis. Mitosis maintains the same chromosome number in daughter cells as the parent cell.