# Explain why mitosis is important for the growth and repair of organisms.

> WJEC GCSE Biology (Wales) — 2.2.1 Mitosis and meiosis · Explain · 4 marks

> A dog cuts its paw on a sharp stone. Over the next few days, new cells form to heal the wound. At the same time, the dog continues to grow because it is still a young animal.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Mitosis produces genetically identical cells (to the parent cell / to each other)
2. The new cells have the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell / are diploid
3. Mitosis allows the number of cells to increase (cell division produces more cells for growth)
4. Genetically identical replacement cells are needed for repair so that the tissue functions correctly / has the correct proteins / has the same characteristics

## Key terms

- [mitosis](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/mitosis)

## Related

- [Revision notes for WJEC GCSE Biology (Wales)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-mitosis-is-important-for-7d82716c) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.