Which of the following is a function of mitosis??
A. to make a cell exit the cell cycle
B. to repair damaged tissue
C. to send chemicals signals throughout the body
D. to cause a cell to grow
B. to repair damaged tissue
B. to repair damaged tissue
To determine the correct answer among the options provided, let's break down the process of mitosis and understand its function. Mitosis is a type of cell division that occurs in eukaryotic cells, involving the replication and division of the cell's genetic material (chromosomes) to produce two identical daughter cells.
Now, let's examine each option:
A. To make a cell exit the cell cycle: Mitosis actually promotes cell division and is a part of the cell cycle. It does not cause a cell to exit the cell cycle, so option A is incorrect.
B. To repair damaged tissue: While cellular division is involved in tissue repair, this is not the specific function of mitosis. Tissue repair involves a complex process that may require cell division, but mitosis is not solely responsible for it. Therefore, option B is incorrect.
C. To send chemical signals throughout the body: Mitosis does not directly relate to the process of sending chemical signals throughout the body. Cellular communication and chemical signaling primarily involve processes like cell signaling pathways and the release of chemical messengers like hormones. Thus, option C is also incorrect.
D. To cause a cell to grow: Mitosis indeed plays a significant role in cell growth. As cells divide during mitosis, they produce two daughter cells that are genetically identical to the parent cell. This process enables organisms to grow, repair damaged tissues, and replace old or dead cells. Therefore, option D, "to cause a cell to grow," is the correct answer.
In summary, option D is the correct answer as mitosis is primarily involved in cell growth through the division and replication of genetic material.