Question

Name the type of cell division in which daughter cells receive an exact copy of chromosomes from parent cell

• A. Mitosis
• B. Cleavage
• C. Interphase
• D. Meiosis

Hint:

To remember:
- Mitosis = Equational division (Identical copies, clones).
- Meiosis = Reductional division (Genetic diversity, half the chromosomes).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Cell division can occur via different mechanisms depending on the function of the cell.
The two main types of nuclear division are mitosis and meiosis.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
- Mitosis (A): This is equational division, occurring in somatic cells.
During mitosis, the parental cell duplicates its genetic material during the S phase and then divides.
This ensures that the two resulting daughter cells receive an exact, identical copy of the chromosomes.
The chromosome number remains diploid (\(2n \rightarrow 2n\)) or haploid (\(n \rightarrow n\)) depending on the starting cell, with no change in ploidy.
- Meiosis (D): This is reductional division, occurring in germ cells to produce gametes.
It involves crossing over and independent assortment, resulting in genetically unique daughter cells with half the chromosome number (\(2n \rightarrow n\)).
- Cleavage (B): This is a series of rapid mitotic divisions in the early embryo, but the term mitosis specifically describes the type of cell division itself.
- Interphase (C) is the non-dividing phase of the cell cycle dedicated to growth and replication.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The type of cell division in which daughter cells receive an exact copy of chromosomes is Mitosis.