What is the term for the process of standard cell division that results in two identical daughter cells?

• A. Meiosis
• B. Mitosis
• C. Cytokinesis
• D. Budding

Answer: (B)

Mitosis is the process that yields two identical daughter cells. In this sequence, the cell first duplicates its DNA so each chromosome has an identical copy. The chromosomes then condense, align, and their copies are separated so each new nucleus receives the same set of chromosomes. After the nuclear division, cytokinesis splits the cytoplasm, completing the formation of two separate, genetically identical cells. Meiosis, by contrast, halves the chromosome number and creates gametes with genetic variation, not exact copies. Budding is a different form of reproduction where a new organism grows from an outgrowth of the parent, not from splitting into two identical cells. So the standard division producing two identical daughter cells is mitosis.