What is the total number of chromatids present after DNA replication in a cell with 6 chromosomes?

In a cell with 6 chromosomes, each chromosome consists of a single chromatid prior to DNA replication. When DNA replication occurs, each of those chromosomes is duplicated, resulting in two identical copies, or sister chromatids, for each chromosome. Thus, after replication, the total number of chromatids doubles while the number of chromosomes remains the same.

Therefore, in this scenario, with 6 chromosomes that have undergone DNA replication, the cell would contain 6 chromosomes and 12 chromatids (2 chromatids for each chromosome).

This understanding aligns well with the principles of cellular division and replication in eukaryotic cells, where chromosomes are duplicated to ensure that each daughter cell receives a complete set of genetic information during processes like mitosis or meiosis.