Question 26

Sister chromatids separate to produce two diploid daughter cells.

Mitosis is characterized by the separation of sister chromatids, resulting in the formation of two diploid daughter cells that are genetically identical to the original cell.

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

This statement accurately describes a key feature of mitosis. During the anaphase stage of mitosis, sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell, ensuring that each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes. As a result, the two daughter cells produced are diploid, maintaining the chromosome number of the original cell.

B) The daughter cells produced are gametes.

This statement is incorrect as it pertains to mitosis. Mitosis produces somatic cells, which are diploid and genetically identical to the parent cell, rather than gametes, which are produced through meiosis and are haploid.

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

This statement is misleading in the context of mitosis. While it describes a process related to meiosis, which does separate homologous chromosomes to produce four haploid cells, mitosis involves the separation of sister chromatids and results in two diploid daughter cells, not four.

D) A cell undergoes two cell divisions.

This statement is incorrect regarding mitosis. Mitosis involves a single cell division that results in two daughter cells. In contrast, meiosis consists of two rounds of cell division, leading to four haploid daughter cells.

Conclusion

The correct answer, that sister chromatids separate to produce two diploid daughter cells, is definitive in describing the process of mitosis. All other options fail to accurately represent the characteristics and outcomes of mitosis, either by misidentifying the type of cells produced or by confusing it with the process of meiosis.