The two daughter cells resulting from cell division, specifically through the process of mitosis, will be genetically identical to their parent cell due to the replication of DNA that occurs prior to cell division.
Here’s how it works:
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DNA Replication: Before a cell divides, it undergoes a process called the cell cycle, which includes the S phase (synthesis phase) where the cell's DNA is replicated. Each chromosome is duplicated, resulting in two sister chromatids for each chromosome.
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Mitosis: During mitosis, the replicated chromosomes are separated into two new nuclei. The process ensures that each daughter cell receives one copy of each chromosome, thus maintaining the same genetic information as the parent cell.
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Cytokinesis: Following mitosis, the cell undergoes cytokinesis, where the cytoplasm divides, resulting in two separate daughter cells, each containing a complete set of chromosomes identical to those of the parent cell.
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Lack of Genetic Exchange: Unlike meiosis, which involves the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes (leading to genetic variation), mitosis maintains the same genetic information, leading to identical daughter cells.
In summary, the fidelity of DNA replication and the separation process during mitosis ensure that the two daughter cells are genetically identical to the parent cell.
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