What structure is formed during the division of a somatic cell?

During the division of a somatic cell, specifically in the process of mitosis, chromatids play a crucial role. As a somatic cell prepares to divide, its genetic material, which is organized into chromosomes, duplicates. Each chromosome then consists of two identical copies known as sister chromatids. When the cell divides, these chromatids are separated and pulled to opposite poles of the cell, ensuring that each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes.

The role of chromatids is pivotal in maintaining genetic consistency across cell generations during somatic cell division. After separation, each chromatid becomes an individual chromosome in the newly formed daughter cells. This separation and organization ensure that each daughter cell retains the necessary genetic information to function properly.

The other options, while related to cell structure and division, do not specifically denote the structure that forms during the actual division of the somatic cell. For instance, the nucleus refers to the organelle containing the cell's genetic material, and while it disassembles and reassembles during cell division, it is not formed as a result of the division itself. Soma typically refers to the body of an organism and does not denote a specific structure formed during cell division. Meanwhile, a cell plate is relevant in plant cells during