Select all of the following that are functions of mitosis.
A. Growth and repair of body tissues
B. Produce daughter cells that are genetically identical
OC. Produce two daughter cells from one parent cell
D. Produce four daughter cells from one parent cell
E. Shuffle the genetic material
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answers are:
- A. Growth and repair of body tissues
- B. Produce daughter cells that are genetically identical
- C. Produce two daughter cells from one parent cell
Explanation:
Mitosis is the process of cell division that results in the formation of two daughter cells that are genetically identical to the parent cell. It is essential for various processes such as growth, tissue repair, and asexual reproduction in certain organisms.
- A. Growth and repair of body tissues: Mitosis is crucial for the growth and repair of body tissues. As organisms grow, cells undergo mitosis to increase the number of cells, allowing tissues and organs to expand. Additionally, when tissues are damaged, mitosis helps in replacing the dead or injured cells with new, identical cells, ensuring the repair of tissues.
- B. Produce daughter cells that are genetically identical: One of the key functions of mitosis is to produce daughter cells that are genetically identical to the parent cell. This is accomplished through a series of carefully regulated steps where the DNA is replicated during the S phase, and then, during the mitotic phase, it is evenly distributed to the two daughter cells. The genetic material remains unchanged, ensuring the integrity and stability of the organism’s genome.
- C. Produce two daughter cells from one parent cell: Mitosis results in the production of two daughter cells from a single parent cell. This is the primary mechanism for cell division in somatic (non-reproductive) cells. It ensures that each daughter cell has the same number of chromosomes as the original parent cell.
Incorrect Options:
- D. Produce four daughter cells from one parent cell: This is the function of meiosis, not mitosis. Meiosis is the type of cell division that results in four non-identical daughter cells, each with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell. It is involved in the production of gametes (sperm and eggs) for sexual reproduction.
- E. Shuffle the genetic material: While meiosis involves genetic recombination and shuffling of genetic material (through processes like crossing-over and independent assortment), mitosis does not shuffle genetic material. Instead, mitosis maintains the genetic integrity by producing identical copies of the original cell.