If a cell divides by mitosis but does not proceed with cytokinesis, what is the result?

If a cell divides by mitosis but does not proceed with cytokinesis, what is the result?

• A. Two distinct cells
• B. One cell with two nuclei
• C. Four nuclei in one cell
• D. One large multinucleated cell

Answer: (B)

When a cell undergoes mitosis, it replicates its genetic material and the chromosomes are separated into two sets at opposite poles of the cell. This process typically leads to the formation of two distinct daughter cells during cytokinesis, which is the physical division of the cytoplasm. However, if cytokinesis does not occur after mitosis, the result is a single cell that contains two nuclei, also known as binucleate. This condition occurs because the cell has completed the nuclear division (mitosis) but has failed to divide the cytoplasmic content. As a result, both sets of chromosomes remain within the same cytoplasmic space, leading to a cell with two nuclei. This scenario can occur in certain types of tissue and is an important consideration in understanding cellular processes and developmental biology. The other options, like having two distinct cells, four nuclei in one cell, or one large multinucleated cell, do not accurately reflect the outcome of mitosis without subsequent cytokinesis. The presence of two nuclei distinctly characterizes the state of the cell post-mitosis without cytokinesis, confirming that the correct result is indeed a single cell with two nuclei.

When a cell undergoes mitosis, it replicates its genetic material and the chromosomes are separated into two sets at opposite poles of the cell. This process typically leads to the formation of two distinct daughter cells during cytokinesis, which is the physical division of the cytoplasm. However, if cytokinesis does not occur after mitosis, the result is a single cell that contains two nuclei, also known as binucleate.

This condition occurs because the cell has completed the nuclear division (mitosis) but has failed to divide the cytoplasmic content. As a result, both sets of chromosomes remain within the same cytoplasmic space, leading to a cell with two nuclei. This scenario can occur in certain types of tissue and is an important consideration in understanding cellular processes and developmental biology.

The other options, like having two distinct cells, four nuclei in one cell, or one large multinucleated cell, do not accurately reflect the outcome of mitosis without subsequent cytokinesis. The presence of two nuclei distinctly characterizes the state of the cell post-mitosis without cytokinesis, confirming that the correct result is indeed a single cell with two nuclei.