Multiple Choice
In eukaryotic organisms, what type of daughter cells does mitosis produce from a single parent cell?
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16. Cell Division
Mitosis
Multiple Choice
In a typical mitotic division of a single eukaryotic somatic cell, how many cells are present at the beginning of mitosis (prophase)?
A
1 cell
B
The number varies depending on how many chromatids are present
C
4 cells
D
2 cells
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the context: Mitosis is a process of cell division in eukaryotic somatic cells where one parent cell divides to produce two genetically identical daughter cells.
Identify the stage in question: The problem asks about the number of cells present at the beginning of mitosis, specifically at prophase.
Recall that mitosis begins with a single cell that has already duplicated its DNA during the S phase of interphase, so the cell contains duplicated chromosomes (each with two sister chromatids) but is still one cell.
Recognize that the number of chromatids increases due to DNA replication, but this does not increase the number of cells; it only increases the amount of genetic material within the single cell preparing to divide.
Conclude that at the beginning of mitosis (prophase), there is exactly one cell present, despite the duplicated chromatids inside it.
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