Final answer:
The diploid number of chromosomes in cells during mitosis is the total number of chromosomes present, which for human cells is 46 (2n = 46). This number is maintained in each daughter cell following mitosis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The diploid number of chromosomes in animal cells undergoing mitosis is a consistent feature. For example, in the human cells captured in mitosis, they contain 23 pairs of homologous chromosomes, which means the diploid number is 46 (2n = 46). Different organisms have different diploid numbers; as stated, an animal cell with a diploid number of four (2n = 4) can be used to illustrate mitosis in a simplified way.
The term diploid refers to a cell that contains two complete sets of chromosomes, one from each parent. This is contrasted with haploid cells, typically the result of meiosis, which contain only one complete set of chromosomes. The process of mitosis, however, maintains the diploid state of cells, ensuring that when a cell divides, each new daughter cell also has the same diploid chromosome number as the parent cell.
The diploid number of chromosomes in the cells shown in the animation of mitosis is 2n=4.