If a parent cell has 48 chromosomes, how many chromosomes will each daughter cell have
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: Each daughter cell will have 48 chromosomes.
Explanation:
To determine how many chromosomes each daughter cell will have, we must first consider what type of cell division is taking place: mitosis or meiosis. The number of chromosomes in daughter cells depends on this distinction.
1. Mitosis:
Mitosis is the process by which a somatic (body) cell divides to produce two genetically identical daughter cells. It is used for growth, repair, and maintenance of tissues. During mitosis:
- The parent cell duplicates its DNA so that each chromosome is copied.
- The cell then divides once, ensuring that each daughter cell receives one complete set of chromosomes identical to the parent cell.
- Therefore, if a parent cell has 48 chromosomes, each daughter cell will also have 48 chromosomes after mitosis.
2. Meiosis:
Meiosis occurs only in the formation of gametes (sperm and egg cells). It involves two consecutive cell divisions and results in four daughter cells, each with half the number of chromosomes as the original cell.
- If a parent cell with 48 chromosomes undergoes meiosis, the resulting gametes will each have 24 chromosomes.
- This reduction is essential so that when fertilization occurs, the zygote will have the correct diploid number, which is 48.
Conclusion:
Since the question refers to a single division and asks how many chromosomes each daughter cell will have, the most likely context is mitosis. In mitosis, there is no change in the number of chromosomes. The daughter cells are genetically identical to the parent cell.
So, each daughter cell will have 48 chromosomes, the same as the original parent cell.
