What is the result of mitosis?

• A. Creation of genetic diversity
• B. Production of haploid cells
• C. Formation of two identical diploid cells
• D. Reduction of chromosome number

Answer: (C)

In the process of mitosis, the primary result is the formation of two identical diploid cells from a single diploid parent cell. This process involves several stages—prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase—where the chromosomes are duplicated and then evenly divided into two new nuclei. Each of the resulting daughter cells has the same number of chromosomes and the same genetic material as the original parent cell, thus maintaining genetic consistency. This is crucial for growth, repair, and asexual reproduction in multicellular organisms.

The other options present scenarios that are characteristic of different cellular processes. For example, the creation of genetic diversity is more closely associated with meiosis, which involves crossing over and the independent assortment of chromosomes. The production of haploid cells and the reduction of chromosome number are also key features of meiosis, where the chromosome number is halved to produce gametes.