Question 9

Which of the following correctly identifies the main role of mitosis and cytokinesis in multicellular organisms?

a
Replicate DNA
b
Increase genetic diversity
c
Produce gametes (sperm or eggs)
d
Growth and repair

d

To determine the correct answer, let's break down each option:

a) Replicate DNA: While mitosis does involve the replication of DNA, this is not its main role in multicellular organisms.

b) Increase genetic diversity: Increasing genetic diversity is not the main role of mitosis and cytokinesis in multicellular organisms.

c) Produce gametes (sperm or eggs): This is incorrect. Mitosis and cytokinesis are not involved in the production of gametes. The process of gamete production is known as meiosis.

d) Growth and repair: This is the correct answer. The main role of mitosis and cytokinesis in multicellular organisms is to facilitate growth and repair. This allows the organism to develop from a single fertilized egg into a fully grown adult and also helps in the repair of damaged tissues.

Therefore, the correct option is d) Growth and repair.

The main role of mitosis and cytokinesis in multicellular organisms is d) growth and repair. Mitosis is the process of cell division that allows an organism to grow by producing identical copies of its cells. Cytokinesis, on the other hand, is the division of the cytoplasm that follows mitosis and results in the formation of two separate daughter cells. Together, mitosis and cytokinesis enable the growth and repair of tissues and organs in multicellular organisms.