Does mitosis result in genetic diversity?

• A. Yes, it creates genetic diversity
• B. No, offspring are genetically identical
• C. Sometimes, depending on conditions
• D. Only in plants

Answer: (B)

Mitosis preserves the original genetic makeup. After DNA is replicated, the cell divides once, and the sister chromatids separate so each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes. There’s no crossing over or independent assortment during mitosis, so the allele combinations stay the same as in the parent. Because of that, mitosis doesn’t generate genetic diversity. In organisms that reproduce by mitosis, the offspring are essentially genetic copies of the parent (aside from rare mutations that can occur). For variation, meiosis paired with fertilization is what reshuffles genes to produce diverse offspring.