Which statement best describes the genetic content of daughter cells after mitosis?

Which statement best describes the genetic content of daughter cells after mitosis?

• A. They have the same DNA as the parent cell
• B. Half the DNA as the parent cell
• C. Double the DNA
• D. DNA content varies

Answer: (A)

In mitosis, the goal is to pass the exact same set of genetic material to two new cells. Before mitosis, the DNA is replicated so each chromosome has two sister chromatids. As division proceeds, these chromatids are separated so each new cell gets one complete set of chromosomes. Cytokinesis then divides the cytoplasm, yielding two daughter cells that contain the same DNA content as the parent cell. This is different from meiosis, where the DNA content is halved to form gametes. So the statement that daughter cells have the same DNA as the parent cell is the best description.

In mitosis, the goal is to pass the exact same set of genetic material to two new cells. Before mitosis, the DNA is replicated so each chromosome has two sister chromatids. As division proceeds, these chromatids are separated so each new cell gets one complete set of chromosomes. Cytokinesis then divides the cytoplasm, yielding two daughter cells that contain the same DNA content as the parent cell. This is different from meiosis, where the DNA content is halved to form gametes. So the statement that daughter cells have the same DNA as the parent cell is the best description.