Answer to Question #214528 in Genetics for Moe

Question

2.4) Briefly discuss the main functions of mitosis

Answer 1

Growth and repair in both plants and animals are dependent on mitosis. Mitosis is responsible for the growth from a single fertilized egg cell to an adult human containing hundreds of billions of cells or a giant sequoia tree. In some parts of the body (skin and digestive tract), cells are constantly sloughed off and replaced by new ones. New cells are formed by mitosis and so are exact copies of the cells being replaced. In like manner, red blood cells have a short lifespan(only about four months) and new red blood cells are formed by mitosis. Some organisms can use mitosis to regenerate lost parts. For example, starfish can regenerate lost arms through mitosis.