Mitotic Divisions in Plants

Mitosis is the process of cell division in which a single cell divides into two identical daughter cells. Mitotic divisions occur in various types of cells in plants, including haploid and diploid cells.

Haploid Cells

Haploid cells are cells that contain only one set of chromosomes. These cells are produced by meiosis, a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half. In plants, haploid cells are found in the gametophyte generation, which produces gametes (sex cells). During gamete formation, haploid cells undergo mitotic divisions to produce more haploid cells that eventually develop into gametes.

Diploid Cells

Diploid cells are cells that contain two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent. These cells are produced by fertilization, in which a haploid sperm cell fuses with a haploid egg cell to form a diploid zygote. In plants, diploid cells are found in the sporophyte generation, which produces spores (asexual reproductive cells). During spore formation, diploid cells undergo mitotic divisions to produce more diploid cells that eventually develop into spores.

Haploid and Diploid Cells

Because plants have alternating generations (gametophyte and sporophyte), mitotic divisions occur in both haploid and diploid cells. Haploid cells undergo mitotic divisions during gamete formation, while diploid cells undergo mitotic divisions during spore formation. This is why option B, "Haploid cells and diploid cells," is the correct answer.

Mitosis is the type of cell division that ensures equal distribution of genetic material in daughter cells. Mitosis can occur both in diploid and haploid cells. The main function of mitosis is to make copies of cells for growth and regeneration. If a haploid cell undergoes mitosis, which is something certain types of plant and fungus do as part of their normal life cycles, the end result is two identical haploid cells (n→n), Some plants and fungi have their bodies composed of haploid cell .