In a multicellular eukaryote, where does mitosis primarily occur?

• A. Only in germ-line cells to produce gametes during meiosis
• B. In ribosomes during protein synthesis
• C. Somatic (non-reproductive) cells to support growth and tissue repair
• D. In the extracellular matrix during collagen deposition

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definition of mitosis: Mitosis is a process of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells from a single parent cell, primarily for growth and tissue repair.
2. Identify the types of cells in a multicellular eukaryote: There are somatic cells (all body cells except reproductive cells) and germ-line cells (cells that give rise to gametes).
3. Recall that mitosis occurs in somatic cells to increase cell number for growth and to replace damaged or dead cells, maintaining tissue integrity.
4. Recognize that germ-line cells undergo meiosis, not mitosis, to produce gametes (sperm and eggs) with half the chromosome number.
5. Note that mitosis does not occur in ribosomes (which are organelles for protein synthesis) or in the extracellular matrix (which is a network outside cells), so these options are incorrect.