A diploid (2n) cell divides by meiosis, producing four daughter cells. Next, each daughter cell divides by mitosis, producing a
total of eight granddaughter cells. Which of the following statements about the granddaughter cells is true? (A) Four of the granddaughter cells are genetically identical.
(B) Each granddaughter cell is diploid (2n).
(C) Each granddaughter cell is haploid (n).
(D) All of the granddaughter cells are genetically identical.
A diploid cell is a cell that contains two full sets of chromosomes. Meiosis is a process whereby the the original diploid cell produces 4 cells. These cells contain half of the genetic information that the diploid cell that underwent division contained. These cells that contain half of the chromosome types are referred to as haploids. These haploids have just one complete set of chromosomes whereas the diploid (as the name suggests) has two full sets. Examples of haploids are the reproductive, or sperm, cells that humans have. So essentially, haploids are the reproductive cells that are produced by meiosis.
Now, meiosis divides the cell by 4 whereas, through mitosis however, each cell splits into two. These two cells that were produced are completely identical to each other which means that they have the same number of chromosomes and are, therefore, haploids themselves as well.
