Describe the roles of mitosis and cell differentiation in the growth and development of a multicellular organism.

Eduqas A-Level Biology — 1.2 Cell structure and organisation · Describe · 5 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Model answer (5 marks)

Mitosis produces two daughter cells that contain identical copies of DNA to the parent cell, allowing the organism to grow and replace old or damaged cells.
Cell differentiation produces specialised cells adapted to carry out a specific function, achieved by altering genes in the cell's DNA, leading to greater efficiency.

Examiner tips

Use the exact terms "mitosis", "cell differentiation", "identical copies of DNA", "specialised cells", "altering genes".
Show the causal link: mitosis → growth/repair; differentiation → specialised function.
Keep the answer concise and structured to match the five points.

Common mistakes

Confusing mitosis with meiosis or omitting that daughter cells are genetically identical.
Using vague phrases like "cell growth" without linking to mitosis.
Failing to mention that differentiation involves gene alteration for specialised function.

Mark scheme (5 marks)

Mitosis produces two daughter cells
The daughter cells contain identical copies of DNA (to the parent cell)
Mitosis allows the organism to grow and/or replace old or damaged cells
Cell differentiation produces specialised cells adapted to carry out a specific function
Specialised cells are produced by altering genes in the cell's DNA, leading to greater efficiency

Key terms in this question

mitosis · cell differentiation