Final answer:
The correct answer to the question "Mitotic cell division creates identical copies by replicating a cell's DNA __________ and then dividing ____________" is: a. Once, once.
Mitotic cell division involves DNA replication once and cell division once, resulting in two daughter cells genetically identical to the original cell.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mitotic Cell Division
Mitotic cell division is the process by which a parent cell divides to create two daughter cells that are genetically identical to each other and to the parent cell. This process involves a single round of DNA replication followed by one division of the cell. The question focuses on how many times DNA replicates and the cell divides during this type of cell division.
DNA replication is crucial to ensure that when the cell divides, each daughter cell receives an identical copy of the DNA. This replication occurs once during the S phase of the cell cycle before the cell enters mitosis. Following DNA replication, mitosis ensures that each daughter cell receives an exact copy of the DNA.
The division of the parent cell's cytoplasm, called cytokinesis, occurs after mitosis, resulting in two new cells. Thus, the complete process of mitosis encompasses the replication of DNA once and a single cell division, ensuring the creation of two daughter cells with identical genetic material to each other and to the original parent cell.