If a parent cell has 48 chromosomes, how many chromosomes will each daughter cell have after mitosis and cytokinesis occurs?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: Each daughter cell will have 48 chromosomes after mitosis and cytokinesis.
Explanation:
Mitosis is a form of cell division that produces two genetically identical daughter cells from a single parent cell. It occurs in somatic (body) cells and is essential for growth, repair, and asexual reproduction in multicellular organisms. Before mitosis begins, the parent cell must duplicate its chromosomes during the S phase of interphase. This duplication ensures that each chromosome is copied into two identical sister chromatids.
During mitosis, the duplicated chromosomes are carefully divided so that each new cell receives one complete set. Mitosis is made up of several phases: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. In metaphase, the chromosomes align at the center of the cell. In anaphase, the sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles. This separation ensures that each new nucleus will receive the same number of chromosomes.
After mitosis, cytokinesis takes place. This is the division of the cytoplasm and other cellular contents into two distinct cells. The process results in two daughter cells that are genetically identical to each other and to the original parent cell. If the parent cell had 48 chromosomes, each daughter cell will also have 48 chromosomes.
This process is crucial for maintaining the chromosome number across generations of cells. Unlike meiosis, which reduces the chromosome number by half and leads to the production of gametes, mitosis preserves the original number. This constancy is vital for ensuring that every new cell has the correct genetic instructions needed to function properly.
Therefore, when a cell with 48 chromosomes undergoes mitosis followed by cytokinesis, both daughter cells will end up with 48 chromosomes, identical in number and content to the original parent cell.
