Significance of Mitosis, Definition, Features, and Significance

The Significance of Mitosis is pivotal in the biological processes of growth, development, and cellular repair in living organisms. It ensures the formation of genetically identical daughter cells, which is essential for maintaining genetic stability and supporting tissue regeneration. This process plays a critical role in the growth of multicellular organisms and the replacement of damaged or worn-out cells.

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Mitosis Definition

Features of Mitosis

• Production of Diploid Cells : Mitosis produces two diploid daughter cells that are genetically identical to the parent cell.
• Role in Growth : It contributes to the growth of multicellular organisms by increasing the number of cells.
• Restoration of Nucleo-Cytoplasmic Ratio : Mitosis helps restore the balance between the nucleus and the cytoplasm , ensuring proper cell function.
• Maintenance of Genetic Identity: The daughter cells have the same genetic makeup as the parent cell, preserving genetic stability.
• Essential for Cell Division: As cells grow, the nucleo-cytoplasmic ratio is disturbed, making mitosis necessary to maintain balance and support further growth.

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Significance of Mitosis

• Growth of Multicellular Organisms : Mitosis is essential for growth, starting from a single-celled zygote to an adult. It produces identical cells, contributing to tissue and organ formation.
• Cell Growth : As cells grow, the nucleo-cytoplasmic ratio gets disturbed. A low nucleo-cytoplasmic ratio triggers mitosis to restore balance, ensuring proper cell size and function.
• Continuous Plant Growth : In plants, mitosis occurs in meristematic tissues like the apical and lateral cambium. It promotes continuous growth in roots, shoots, leaves, and fruits throughout the plant’s life.
• Cell and Tissue Repair : Mitosis replaces lost or damaged cells. Epidermal cells, gut lining cells (replaced twice a week), and blood cells (like RBCs with a 120-day lifespan) are continuously renewed.
• Reproduction in Unicellular Organisms : For unicellular eukaryotes, mitosis is a form of asexual reproduction, producing genetically identical offspring.

MCQs of Significance of Mitosis

Q1. The significance of mitosis involves:

1. The growth of multicellular organisms.
2. Cell repair.
3. Production of diploid daughter cells with identical genetic complement.
4. All of these.

Q2. What is the significance of mitosis?

1. Growth
2. Repair
3. Replacement
4. All of these

Q3. Cell repair is a very significant contributor of mitosis and take place in our body in;

1. blood cells
2. upper layer of the epidermis
3. Both (1) & (2)
4. None of these

Answers of MCQs of Significance of Mitosis