Which two processes are important for the maintenance of health? (A) Mitosis and meiosis (B) Mutation and mitosis (C) Mitosis and cell differentiation (D) Meiosis and cell differentiation - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 12 - 2006 - Paper 1

To determine the processes important for maintaining health, we need to evaluate the options:

1. Mitosis: This is a type of cell division that produces two identical daughter cells from a single parent cell. It is crucial for growth, tissue repair, and overall maintenance of healthy tissues in multicellular organisms. Mitosis allows for the replacement of dead or damaged cells, ensuring the integrity of the organism’s tissues.

2. Meiosis: This process is involved in producing gametes (sperm and eggs) for sexual reproduction. Although meiosis is essential for reproduction, it is not directly involved in the maintenance of health when considering cellular processes.

3. Mutation: While mutations can lead to varied changes in the genetic material, they can be harmful and are generally not considered beneficial for the maintenance of health. Mutations can contribute to diseases, including cancer.

4. Cell differentiation: This is the process by which unspecialized cells become specialized into different cell types. It is vital during development and for the formation of various tissues and organs. Cell differentiation supports the proper functioning of multicellular organisms, especially as they grow and respond to their environment.

Given these considerations, the correct answer is (C) Mitosis and cell differentiation. Both processes are fundamental to the maintenance and proper functioning of health in an organism.