Which cellular process results in genetically identical daughter cells?

Prepare for the Science Olympiad Designer Genes Exam with engaging questions and comprehensive explanations. Boost your understanding of genetic principles and excel in your competition!

Mitosis is the process through which a single cell divides to produce two genetically identical daughter cells. This process is essential for growth, tissue repair, and asexual reproduction in multicellular organisms. During mitosis, the cell's chromosomes are replicated and evenly distributed to ensure that each daughter cell receives an exact copy of the parent cell's genetic material.

The stages of mitosis, including prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase, carefully orchestrate the duplication and separation of chromosomes. The final result is two cells, each with the same number of chromosomes as the original cell, maintaining genetic uniformity.

While binary fission also results in genetically identical cells, it is primarily a method of asexual reproduction in prokaryotes and is not typically referred to in the context of cellular processes within eukaryotic organisms. Meiosis, on the other hand, produces genetically diverse gametes for sexual reproduction, incorporating genetic variation. Fertilization combines genetic material from two diverse gametes, leading to genetic variation in the offspring. Therefore, the definitive process that yields genetically identical daughter cells in eukaryotic organisms is mitosis.

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