Mitosis results in two genetically identical diploid somatic cells.

• A. One diploid nucleus only
• B. Two genetically different diploid cells
• C. Four haploid cells
• D. Two genetically identical diploid somatic cells

Answer: (D)

Mitosis ensures that a diploid somatic cell divides to produce two genetically identical diploid daughter cells. Before division, the cell copies its DNA so each chromosome consists of two sister chromatids. During mitosis, those chromatids are pulled apart and distributed to opposite ends of the cell, and then cytokinesis divides the cytoplasm, giving two new cells. Because the DNA is duplicated once and separated evenly, each daughter cell ends up with the same chromosome number and the same genetic content as the original cell (apart from rare mutations). This is different from meiosis, which halves the chromosome number and increases genetic variation, producing four haploid cells.