Why mitosis is importantSpec 2.2
Mitosis is important in three ways.
- Growth: a multicellular organism grows by making more cells by mitosis. All the new cells are genetically identical, so they have the same instructions.
- Repair: damaged or worn-out cells are replaced with new cells made by mitosis, for example when skin is cut.
- Asexual reproduction: one parent produces offspring that are genetically identical to it. The offspring are made by mitosis, so there is no mixing of genetic information.