How many cells are produced by mitosis and what is their ploidy?

Mitosis is a type of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells, each of which is the same ploidy as the original cell. In the case of organisms with diploid cells, mitosis produces two diploid cells, meaning that each daughter cell has two sets of chromosomes—one set inherited from each parent. This process maintains the chromosome number of the organism across generations of somatic cells, allowing for growth, repair, and maintenance of tissues.

In contrast, the other options present either incorrect outcomes in terms of the number of cells produced or their ploidy. For example, four haploid cells would suggest a type of cell division like meiosis, where gametes are produced, not mitosis. Similarly, three haploid cells do not align with the characteristics of mitosis, as it consistently produces two cells. Therefore, recognizing that mitosis yields two identical diploid cells clarifies the appropriate answer.