What mitosis producesSpec 2.3
In short
Mitosis produces two daughter cells that are genetically identical to the parent cell and to each other. Each daughter cell is diploid, with two sets of chromosomes. Human body cells have 46 chromosomes in 23 pairs. Because the DNA is copied in interphase and shared equally in mitosis, each daughter cell also has 46 chromosomes.
Mitosis produces two daughter cells. Each daughter cell has an identical set of chromosomes in its nucleus to the parent cell, so the two cells are genetically identical to the parent and to each other.
Body cells are diploid. This means the nucleus contains two sets of chromosomes, which form pairs. For example, human body cells have 46 chromosomes, arranged as 23 pairs. The DNA is copied in interphase and the copies are shared equally in mitosis, so each daughter cell also has 46 chromosomes.
- Daughter cell
- One of the two new cells produced when a parent cell divides.
- Diploid
- A cell with two sets of chromosomes in its nucleus.
- Genetically identical
- Having exactly the same genetic information (the same DNA).
To describe the result of mitosis, give the key points: two daughter cells, identical sets of chromosomes to the parent, genetically identical and diploid.
Written and checked against the Edexcel GCSE Biology (1BI0) specification · Updated October 2026