The number of daughter cells formed at the end of mitosis is

Analyzing the question

The question asks how many daughter cells result when one cell completes mitosis.

The concept

Mitosis is the type of cell division in which a parent cell divides to produce daughter cells that are genetically identical to it. It is used for growth, repair of worn-out or damaged tissue, and asexual reproduction. The parent cell has a diploid (2n) chromosome number, and each daughter cell keeps that same number.

Mitosis has these stages:

1. Prophase: chromosomes condense and become visible, and the nuclear membrane breaks down.
2. Metaphase: chromosomes line up at the equator of the cell.
3. Anaphase: sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles.
4. Telophase: nuclear membranes re-form around the two sets of chromosomes, and the cytoplasm divides (cytokinesis).

Solution

• One parent cell (2n) goes through one round of division.
• The chromosomes are copied once, and the sister chromatids are shared equally between two new nuclei.
• Cytokinesis then splits the cell into 2 daughter cells, each 2n and identical to the parent.

This differs from meiosis, which involves two successive divisions and gives 4 daughter cells, each haploid (n). Option C (4) is the trap for students who confuse the two.

Answer: A. 2

Exam tip: Remember "Mitosis = Two" (both start with M and "two" ends the idea). Mitosis gives 2 identical diploid cells. Meiosis gives 4 different haploid cells, and the "e" in meiosis can remind you of "extra" cells.