Which best describes the importance of mitosis to living organisms?

• A. It allows for the synthesis of proteins needed for cellular metabolism.
• B. It enables organisms to grow and replace damaged or dead cells by producing genetically identical daughter cells.
• C. It increases genetic diversity by exchanging genetic material between homologous chromosomes.
• D. It reduces the chromosome number by half to produce gametes for sexual reproduction.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the process of mitosis: Mitosis is a type of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells from a single parent cell. It is crucial for growth, repair, and maintenance in multicellular organisms.
2. Clarify the role of mitosis in growth: Mitosis allows organisms to grow by increasing the number of cells. This is essential for the development of tissues and organs during an organism's life cycle.
3. Explain the role of mitosis in replacing damaged or dead cells: Mitosis ensures that damaged or dead cells are replaced with new, genetically identical cells, maintaining tissue integrity and function.
4. Differentiate mitosis from processes that increase genetic diversity: Unlike meiosis, which involves genetic recombination and reduces chromosome number to produce gametes, mitosis does not increase genetic diversity. Instead, it maintains genetic consistency.
5. Eliminate incorrect options: Mitosis does not synthesize proteins for metabolism, exchange genetic material between homologous chromosomes, or reduce chromosome number. Its primary importance lies in enabling growth and cellular repair by producing genetically identical daughter cells.