Question

Which statement about the daughter cells following mitosis and cytokinesis is correct? a. They are genetically different from each other and from the parent cell. b. They are genetically identical to each other and to the parent cell. c. They are genetically identical to each other but different from the parent cell. d. Only one of the two daughter cells is genetically identical to the parent cell.

Short answer

The correct statement about the daughter cells following mitosis and cytokinesis is: "They are genetically identical to each other and to the parent cell." Thus, the answer is \(b.\)

Step-by-step solution

Understand mitosis and cytokinesis process

Mitosis is a process of cell division, where a single cell divides into two identical daughter cells. Cytokinesis is a physical process of cell division that occurs at the end of mitosis, where the cytoplasm of the parent cell is split into two daughter cells. The purpose of mitosis is to ensure that each daughter cell receives an exact copy of the genetic material contained in the parent cell. Thus, both the daughter cells and their genetic material should be identical to each other and to the parent cell.

Analyze each statement

a. Daughter cells being different from the parent cell and each other is not consistent with the purpose of mitosis, which involves creating identical daughter cells. b. Daughter cells being genetically identical to each other and to the parent cell is consistent with the purpose of mitosis and the process of cell division. c. Daughter cells being identical to each other but different from the parent cell also contradicts the purpose of mitosis, which ensures that each daughter cell receives the same genetic material as the parent cell. d. Only one of the two daughter cells being genetically identical to the parent cell is not consistent with the process of mitosis since mitosis creates two identical daughter cells each with the same genetic material as the parent cell.

Choose the correct statement

Based on our understanding of mitosis and cytokinesis, the correct statement is: "They are genetically identical to each other and to the parent cell." Therefore, the answer is: \(b.\)

Key concepts

Cytokinesis

Cytokinesis is a crucial part of the cell division process. It occurs right after mitosis, marking the physical division of the cytoplasm into two distinct daughter cells.
This step ensures that each daughter cell has its own complete set of cellular components and an equal share of cytoplasm.
The process can vary slightly between plant and animal cells.

• In animal cells, cytokinesis involves the formation of a "cleavage furrow." This is like a tight belt squeezing the middle of the cell, eventually pinching it into two.
• In plant cells, due to the rigidity of their cell walls, a "cell plate" forms in the center of the cell, eventually developing into new cell walls separating the two daughter cells.

Cytokinesis is essential to ensuring that the two new cells are properly equipped to survive and function independently.
Without proper cytokinesis, cells could end up being impaired or differing in size and intracellular content, which could affect their function and survival.

Genetic Material

The genetic material of a cell is its DNA, which is responsible for carrying all the information needed for growth, development, and functioning. During mitosis, this genetic material must be precisely and accurately divided between the two daughter cells.
The DNA is packaged into structures called chromosomes to facilitate this process.

• At the beginning of mitosis, each chromosome is duplicated but held together at a point called the centromere, forming structures known as sister chromatids.
• As mitosis progresses, these chromatids are pulled apart and allocated into different daughter cells.
• This ensures that each daughter cell inherits an identical copy of the genetic material present in the parent cell.

The careful division of genetic material during mitosis is vital for maintaining genetic consistency across generations of cells, thus preserving the genetic identity and functioning of organisms.

Cell Division

Cell division is a fundamental biological process where a single cell divides into two or more new cells. The most common type of cell division is mitosis, which is responsible for growth, repair, and maintenance in multicellular organisms.
Mitosis involves several distinct phases, which together ensure precise and regulated division.

• Prophase: Chromosomes condense and become visible, while the mitotic spindle forms.
• Metaphase: Chromosomes align at the cell equator, attached to spindle fibers.
• Anaphase: Sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite ends of the cell.
• Telophase: Nuclear membranes reform around separated chromatids, now individual chromosomes.
• Finally, cytokinesis marks the completion of mitosis by physically separating the cell into two identical daughter cells.

This orchestrated sequence of events ensures that cell division is efficient and that the resulting daughter cells are each capable of functioning as individual entities.