Which of the following is a function of mitosis?
to repair damaged tissue
to make a cell exit the cell cycle
to send chemicals signals throughout the body
to cause a cell to grow
The correct answer is "to cause a cell to grow."
The correct answer is "to repair damaged tissue." Mitosis is the process by which a cell divides, resulting in the production of two identical daughter cells. One of the primary functions of mitosis is to replace and repair damaged or old tissue in multicellular organisms. Let me explain how to arrive at this answer.
To determine the function of mitosis, we need to have an understanding of what mitosis is and what it does. Mitosis is a type of cell division that occurs in eukaryotic cells, meaning cells with a nucleus. It is a complex process involving a series of steps that result in the production of two genetically identical daughter cells.
One common misconception is that mitosis causes cell growth. However, it is actually the preceding phase of the cell cycle called interphase that is responsible for cell growth. During interphase, a cell increases in size and replicates its DNA before entering mitosis.
Another option, "to make a cell exit the cell cycle," is not correct. The cell cycle is a series of events that a cell goes through, including interphase, mitosis, and cytokinesis. Mitosis is an essential part of the cell cycle, and it does not cause a cell to exit the cycle.
The option "to send chemical signals throughout the body" does not align with the function of mitosis. While cells and their divisions can play a role in chemical signaling, mitosis itself is primarily involved in cell division and reproduction, not in sending chemical signals throughout the body.
Therefore, the correct function of mitosis among the given options is "to repair damaged tissue." Mitosis ensures that damaged or old cells are replaced with new, healthy cells to maintain the integrity and normal functioning of tissues and organs in multicellular organisms.