Which process results in cells with the same genetic makeup as the parent?

The process that results in cells with the same genetic makeup as the parent is mitosis. During mitosis, a single cell divides to produce two daughter cells that are genetically identical to the original cell and to each other. This process involves several phases, including prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase, where the chromosomes are replicated and equally distributed into the two daughter cells. This is essential for growth, repair, and maintenance of tissues in multicellular organisms.

In contrast, meiosis is a different type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in four genetically diverse gametes. Binary fission, which occurs in prokaryotic cells like bacteria, also leads to two identical daughter cells, but it is distinct from mitosis in its mechanism and is typically simpler. Crossing over, which occurs during meiosis, introduces genetic variation by exchanging segments of DNA between homologous chromosomes, creating genetically unique gametes. Thus, the correct answer relates specifically to the process of mitosis, where genetic identity is maintained.