If a parent cell has 48 chromosomes, how many chromosomes will each daughter cell have after mitosis and cytokinesis occurs? 24 chromosomes
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: 48 chromosomes
Explanation:
Mitosis is a type of cell division that occurs in somatic (body) cells. Its primary function is to produce two daughter cells that are genetically identical to the original parent cell. This process ensures that each new cell maintains the same number of chromosomes as the parent.
If a parent cell has 48 chromosomes, then during mitosis, the chromosomes are first duplicated during the interphase stage. Each chromosome makes an exact copy of itself, forming pairs of identical sister chromatids. However, these are not counted as separate chromosomes. Instead, they are considered replicated versions of the same chromosomes, joined together at a region called the centromere.
Mitosis proceeds through several key stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. During anaphase, the sister chromatids are separated and pulled to opposite poles of the cell. Once they are separated, each chromatid is considered an individual chromosome. This ensures that both sides of the dividing cell receive an equal number of chromosomes.
After mitosis is complete, cytokinesis takes place. This is the physical division of the cytoplasm, resulting in the formation of two distinct daughter cells. Because each side of the cell received 48 chromosomes during mitosis, each new daughter cell will also have 48 chromosomes.
Therefore, the chromosome number remains the same in the daughter cells. The process ensures genetic stability across generations of cells. This is critical for growth, tissue repair, and maintenance in multicellular organisms. Any error in this process can lead to genetic disorders or uncontrolled cell growth, such as cancer. In summary, each daughter cell formed after mitosis and cytokinesis will contain 48 chromosomes, exactly matching the original parent cell.
