If a cell undergoes n rounds of mitotic divisions, how many cells are produced in total?

If a cell undergoes n rounds of mitotic divisions, how many cells are produced in total?

• A. n
• B. 2^n
• C. n^2
• D. 2n

Answer: (B)

Cell numbers after rounds of division grow exponentially because each cell splits into two, doubling the population every time. Start with one cell; after the first round you have 2, after the second you have 4, and so on. After n rounds, you have 2^n cells. This exponential pattern reflects the division process, unlike linear growth (2n), quadratic growth (n^2), or simply adding one cell per round (n). A quick check: with zero rounds you have 1 cell, which is 2^0, matching the rule.

Cell numbers after rounds of division grow exponentially because each cell splits into two, doubling the population every time. Start with one cell; after the first round you have 2, after the second you have 4, and so on. After n rounds, you have 2^n cells. This exponential pattern reflects the division process, unlike linear growth (2n), quadratic growth (n^2), or simply adding one cell per round (n). A quick check: with zero rounds you have 1 cell, which is 2^0, matching the rule.