Significance of Mitosis Definition: Mitosis is a replicative cell division involving one nuclear division to form 2 genetically identical daughter cells. Consequence of mitotic division: No variation in genetic information No variation in chromosome number due to the semi-conservative replication of DNA and equal distribution of DNA. The cell divide once. Two identical daughter cells are formed.

Why mitosis? Growth. The number of cells within an organism increases by mitosis and this is the basis of growth in multicellular organisms. Cell Replacement. Cells are constantly sloughed off, dying and being replaced by new ones in the skin and digestive tract. When damaged tissues are repaired, the new cells must be exact copies of the cells being replaced so as to retain normal function of cells. Regeneration. Some animals can regenerate parts of the body, and production of new cells are achieved by mitosis. Vegetative Reproduction. Some plants produce offspring which are genetically similar to themselves. These offspring are called clones. Relating Topics - Cancer - Uncontrollable Cell Division

Red blood cells have short live spans of about 4 months and need to be replaced constantly by mitosis.