A plant cell has 14 chromosomes prior to mitosis. What is the number of chromosomes in the daughter cells?

Step 1: Analyze the question A plant cell with 14 chromosomes undergoes mitosis. We need the chromosome number in each daughter cell.

Step 2: Explain the concept Mitosis is cell division that produces two genetically identical daughter cells. It is used for growth, repair, and asexual reproduction. The key rule is that mitosis keeps the chromosome number the same (the daughter cells are diploid, like the parent cell).

Here is what happens:

• Interphase (S phase): DNA replicates, so each chromosome becomes two sister chromatids. The number of chromosomes is still 14, but each one is now doubled.
• Anaphase: The sister chromatids separate and move to opposite poles.
• Telophase and cytokinesis: Two nuclei form, each with 14 chromosomes, and the cell divides.

Step 3: Solution

• Parent cell: 14 chromosomes
• After mitosis: 2 daughter cells, each with 14 chromosomes

(By contrast, meiosis would halve the number to 7. That is why option D is a common trap.)

Step 4: Why the other options are wrong

• B (56): No division process quadruples the chromosome number twice.
• C (28): This is the count of chromatids after DNA replication, not the number of chromosomes in each daughter cell.
• D (7): This would be the result of meiosis, not mitosis.

Step 5: Exam tip Remember: "Mitosis = Maintains." Mitosis maintains the chromosome number (2n → 2n), while meiosis reduces it (2n → n). If a question says "mitosis," the daughter cells have the same number as the parent.