Which statement regarding mitosis is accurate?

• A. Diploid cells produce haploid cells for sexual reproduction
• B. Sperm and egg cells are produced
• C. Diploid cells produce diploid cells for growth and repair
• D. It allows for greater genetic diversity

Answer: (C)

Mitosis is a fundamental process of cell division that leads to the production of two genetically identical daughter cells from a single parent cell. This process primarily occurs in somatic (body) cells and is essential for growth, tissue repair, and asexual reproduction.

The statement about diploid cells producing diploid cells for growth and repair accurately describes mitosis. During this process, a diploid parent cell, which contains two sets of chromosomes, undergoes a series of phases that ultimately result in the duplication and division of its genetic material. Each of the resulting daughter cells retains the diploid chromosome number, thereby enabling the organism to maintain its genetic consistency and integrity as it grows and repairs tissues.

In contrast, other statements incorrectly associate mitosis with functions it does not serve. For example, the production of haploid cells, such as sperm and egg cells, is associated with meiosis, not mitosis. Additionally, while genetic diversity is an important aspect of sexual reproduction, it is not a feature of mitosis since the resulting cells are genetically identical to the parent cell. Thus, the function of mitosis is specifically aimed at growth and repair through the maintenance of the diploid chromosome number, making the selected answer accurate.