Which process results in two genetically identical daughter cells from a single parent cell?

• A. Cytokinesis
• B. Fertilization
• C. Meiosis
• D. Mitosis

Answer: (D)

Mitosis is the process that yields two genetically identical daughter cells. During mitosis, the cell first duplicates its DNA so each chromosome has two sister chromatids. The chromosomes then align and are pulled apart so each new nucleus gets an identical set of chromosomes. Cytokinesis follows, splitting the cytoplasm and completing the formation of two separate cells. Because the genetic material is copied exactly and distributed equally, the daughter cells are genetically identical to the parent (ignoring rare mutations). In contrast, meiosis creates genetic diversity by halving the chromosome number and shuffling alleles, fertilization combines genetic material from two parents, and cytokinesis alone does not introduce this identity in the genome.