Problem 3 - Biology: Science for Life with Physiology

Question

A cell that begins mitosis with 46 chromosomes produces daughter cells with __________ . A. 13 chromosomes; B. 23 chromosomes; C. 26 chromosomes; D. 46 chromosomes

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Each daughter cell has 46 chromosomes after mitosis.

Step 1: Understand Mitosis

Mitosis is a type of cell division that results in two daughter cells each having the same number and kind of chromosomes as the parent cell. It is a process used for growth and repair in multicellular organisms. During mitosis, the chromosome number is conserved.

Step 2: Starting Chromosome Number

The problem states that a cell begins mitosis with 46 chromosomes. This is the diploid number for human cells, meaning it has two sets of 23 chromosomes.

Step 3: Chromosome Number in Daughter Cells

Since mitosis creates two identical daughter cells, each daughter cell will receive the same number of chromosomes as the original cell. The original cell has 46 chromosomes, so each daughter cell will have 46 chromosomes as well.

Step 4: Find the Correct Option

From the options given, identify which choice represents the daughter cells having the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell. The correct choice is D: 46 chromosomes.

Key Concepts

Cell Division

Cell division is a fundamental process that allows living organisms to grow, repair tissues, and reproduce. One of the most common types of cell division is mitosis. Mitosis is crucial for maintaining the consistency and functionality of cells throughout an organism's life. In this process, a single cell divides to produce two identical daughter cells.

During mitosis, several stages occur:

• Prophase: Chromosomes condense and become visible, spindle fibers form.
• Metaphase: Chromosomes align at the cell's equator.
• Anaphase: Sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell.
• Telophase: Nuclear membranes reform around each set of chromosomes.

Finally, cytokinesis splits the cell membrane, resulting in two separate cells. This orderly sequence ensures that each daughter cell receives an exact copy of the parent cell's DNA.

Chromosome Number

Chromosome number is vital for proper cell function and genetic stability. Humans, for instance, have a diploid chromosome number of 46, which includes two sets of 23 chromosomes. These contain the genetic information necessary for all cellular operations.

Mitosis is unique in that the chromosome number remains consistent before and after the process. This means that if a cell starts with 46 chromosomes, it will end with two daughter cells, each also having 46 chromosomes. This conservation of chromosome number is crucial for genetic continuity across generations of cells.

In contrast, meiosis, another form of cell division, reduces the chromosome number by half, preparing cells for sexual reproduction.

Daughter Cells

Daughter cells are the end product of the cell division process. In mitosis, daughter cells are genetically identical to the original parent cell. This means they will have the same chromosome number and genetic composition. Each new daughter cell plays an important role in the health and maintenance of tissues and organs.

Daughter cells ensure that tissues continue to function correctly, repair damage, and support growth. This is because they carry the same complete set of instructions, encoded in their DNA, necessary to perform all life activities.

The health and stability of daughter cells are essential, not only for individual cells but also for the entire organism they inhabit.