Multiple choice

If a somatic cell undergoes two successive nuclear divisions without cytokinesis, the resultant will have

  1. 2 diploid nuclei

  2. 4 diploid nuclei

  3. 4 haploid nuclei

  4. 2 haploid nuclei

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

A somatic cell is diploid (2n). Without cytokinesis, each nuclear division doubles the chromosome number within the cell. After two successive nuclear divisions (endoreduplication), the cell contains 4 copies of each chromosome. Since the original cell was diploid and no meiosis occurred, all four nuclei remain diploid, not haploid.