They are the genetic equivalent of the parent cell. ----------- The primary result of mitosis is the division of the parent cell's genome into two daughter cells. The genome is comprised of a number of chromosomes, complexes of tightly-coiled DNA that contain genetic information vital for proper cell function. Because each resultant daughter cell should be genetically identical to the parent cell, the parent cell must make a copy of each chromosome before mitosis. This occurs during the middle of interphase, the period that precedes the mitotic phase in the cell cycle where preparation for mitosis occurs. Each chromosome now contains two identical copies of itself, called sister chromatids, attached together in a specialized region of the chromosome known as the centromere. Each sister chromatid is not considered a chromosome in itself. In biology, mitosis is the process by which a cell separates its duplicated genome into two identical halves. It is generally followed immediately by cytokinesis which divides the cytoplasm and cell membrane. This results in two identical daughter cells with a roughly equal distribution of organelles and other cellular components. Mitosis and cytokinesis together is defined as the mitotic (M) phase of the cell cycle, the division of the mother cell into two daughter cells, each the genetic equivalent of the parent cell. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitosis

they are genetically different. everyone knows that. duh!