During the days when philosophers used to debate, they tended to regard reproduction as a feminine trait. So naturally organisms/cells capable of producing offspring are also given a feminine trait. The parent cell is often called the mother cell, and the daughter cells are so named because they eventually become mother cell themselves.I presume there exists a similar argument for sister chromatids, in that they are identical. When they separate, they are usually termed as undivided chromosomes.

Introduction:

During binary fission, a single-celled organism like an amoeba divides into two identical daughter cells. These daughter cells are called so because they inherit genetic material from the parent cell and have the potential to further divide and grow into independent organisms. The terms "daughter cells" and "son cells" are not used interchangeably due to specific reasons.

Explanation:

1. Biological Terminology:
The terms "daughter cells" and "son cells" are derived from biological terminology and represent the process of cell division. In biology, reproductive cells are typically referred to as "daughter cells" because they are produced through the division of a parent cell. This terminology is used to maintain uniformity and clarity in scientific communication.

2. Genetic Inheritance:
During binary fission, the parent cell divides into two equal parts, with each daughter cell receiving a copy of the genetic material from the parent cell. The daughter cells inherit genetic traits, characteristics, and other cellular components from the parent cell. This genetic inheritance is a key reason why they are called "daughter cells" as they carry forward the legacy of the parent cell.

3. Reproductive Analogies:
The use of terms like "daughter cells" and "son cells" draws an analogy to human reproduction, where the terms "daughter" and "son" are used to describe offspring. This analogy helps in better understanding and relatability as it connects the process of cell division to the concept of reproduction.

4. Avoiding Ambiguity:
Using the term "daughter cells" instead of "son cells" helps in avoiding ambiguity or confusion. The term "daughter cells" clearly signifies the origin and genetic connection to the parent cell, while "son cells" might lead to misunderstandings or misinterpretations.

5. Cultural and Linguistic Factors:
The choice of terminology may also be influenced by cultural and linguistic factors. In many languages, the concept of gender is associated with nouns, and "daughter" is often used as a neutral term to represent offspring. This usage aligns with the use of "daughter cells" in biology.

Conclusion:

In summary, the term "daughter cells" is used to describe the cells resulting from binary fission in amoebas and other organisms. It signifies the genetic inheritance, reproductive analogy, and maintains clarity in scientific communication. The choice of terminology helps avoid ambiguity and is influenced by cultural and linguistic factors as well.