Which process produces somatic (body) cells for growth and tissue repair in humans: mitosis or meiosis?

• A. Mitosis
• B. Meiosis
• C. DNA replication (S phase) alone
• D. Cytokinesis without nuclear division

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definitions of the processes: Mitosis is a type of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells, while meiosis produces four genetically diverse gametes (sex cells).
2. Recall the function of somatic cells: Somatic cells are all the body cells except for the reproductive cells, and they are involved in growth, development, and tissue repair.
3. Identify which process is responsible for producing somatic cells: Since somatic cells need to maintain the same genetic information, the process must produce identical cells, which is characteristic of mitosis.
4. Eliminate other options: Meiosis produces gametes, not somatic cells; DNA replication (S phase) is only the copying of DNA, not cell division; cytokinesis without nuclear division would not produce complete cells.
5. Conclude that mitosis is the process that produces somatic cells for growth and tissue repair in humans.