Question

cell division by mitosis is a mechanism of cell replication. some single - celled organisms reproduce by cell division, and cell division enables multicellular organisms to grow and to repair damaged cells. which is a product of cell division by mitosis? cells that are genetically variable two cells genetically identical to the original cell four genetically similar cells cells with half the number of chromosomes

Explanation:

Mitosis is a process of cell division where one cell divides to form two daughter cells. The key characteristic of mitosis is that the daughter cells are genetically identical to the parent cell. This is because during mitosis, the DNA is replicated and then equally distributed between the two new cells.

• Option 1: Cells that are genetically variable are produced by meiosis (due to processes like crossing - over and independent assortment), not mitosis.
• Option 2: Mitosis results in two cells. The DNA replication and distribution mechanism ensures that these two cells have the same genetic material as the original cell.
• Option 3: Four cells are produced by meiosis (in two rounds of division - meiosis I and meiosis II), not mitosis.
• Option 4: Cells with half the number of chromosomes are gametes produced by meiosis. Mitosis produces cells with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell.

Answer:

two cells genetically identical to the original cell