Name the cell division that helps in growth and maintenance of the body

name the cell division that helps in growth and maintenance of the body

Name the cell division that helps in growth and maintenance of the body

Answer: The cell division that plays a crucial role in growth and maintenance of the body is known as mitosis. Mitosis is a type of cell division that results in two daughter cells each having the same number and kind of chromosomes as the parent nucleus, typical of ordinary tissue growth.

Key Steps in Mitosis:

  1. Interphase:

    • The cell prepares for division by replicating its DNA and increasing in size. Although not a part of mitosis itself, interphase sets the stage for mitosis.
    • Consists of three phases: G1 (cell growth), S (DNA replication), and G2 (preparation for mitosis).
  2. Prophase:

    • The chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes.
    • The nuclear envelope begins to break down.
    • Mitotic spindle fibers start to form.
  3. Metaphase:

    • The chromosomes align at the cell’s equatorial plane, known as the metaphase plate.
    • Spindle fibers attach to the centromeres of the chromosomes.
  4. Anaphase:

    • The sister chromatids separate and are pulled toward opposite poles of the cell.
    • This ensures that each new cell will receive an identical set of chromosomes.
  5. Telophase:

    • The chromosomes begin to de-condense back into chromatin.
    • The nuclear envelope reforms around each set of chromosomes.
    • The spindle fibers disassemble.
  6. Cytokinesis:

    • This is the final step where the cytoplasm divides, resulting in two daughter cells.
    • Each daughter cell has an identical set of chromosomes and is a clone of the parent cell.

Significance of Mitosis:

  • Growth: Mitosis enables organisms to grow by producing more cells.
  • Repair: It helps in the repair and regeneration of tissues by replacing old, damaged, or dead cells.
  • Asexual Reproduction: In some organisms, mitosis is a method of asexual reproduction, allowing the organism to produce offspring that are genetically identical to the parent.
  • Maintenance: It maintains the chromosome number in body cells across cell divisions, ensuring genetic consistency and stability.

Final Answer: The cell division that helps in growth and maintenance of the body is mitosis.