A skin wound heals over several weeks as new skin cells are produced to replace the damaged ones. Explain how mitosis enables this repair to occur.
Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).
Model answer (4 marks)
Mitosis is a type of nuclear division in which a single parent cell divides to produce two daughter cells.
The two daughter cells are genetically identical to each other and to the parent cell.
The diploid chromosome number is maintained in each daughter cell.
Repeated mitotic divisions increase the number of new skin cells, replacing the damaged tissue.
The two daughter cells are genetically identical to each other and to the parent cell.
The diploid chromosome number is maintained in each daughter cell.
Repeated mitotic divisions increase the number of new skin cells, replacing the damaged tissue.
Examiner tips
- Use the exact wording from the mark scheme to secure each point.
- Show the sequence of mitosis (prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase) only if asked – here focus on the outcome.
- Remember to mention that the chromosome number stays diploid.
- Keep the answer concise – 4 marks, 4 points.
Mark scheme (4 marks)
- Mitosis is a form of nuclear division in which a parent cell divides to produce two daughter cells
- The two daughter cells are genetically identical to each other and to the parent cell
- The diploid chromosome number is maintained in each daughter cell
- Repeated mitotic divisions increase the number of new skin cells, replacing the damaged tissue
Key terms in this question
Related
- All Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610) revision notes →
- How to answer a "Explain" question →
- Decode the mark scheme abbreviations →