Functions of Mitosis (Leaving Cert Biology): Revision Notes
📚 Revision Notes
Functions of Mitosis
infoNote
Definition Review: Mitosis is a form of nuclear division in which one nucleus divides to form 2 nuclei, each with the same number of chromosomes as the parent nucleus.
Functions of Mitosis
1. In Single-Celled Organisms:
- Mitosis increases the number of individuals, making it a method of reproduction (e.g., in amoeba and bacteria).
- Reproduction by mitosis is asexual, meaning it involves only one parent.
- Advantages: It is very fast and efficient.
- Disadvantages: There is no variation among the offspring.
2. In Multi-Celled Organisms:
- The purpose of mitosis is for growth and repair of cells.
- In plants, mitosis occurs more slowly than in animals because plants have a slower metabolism.
- This means their growth and repair processes take longer.