Explain why mitosis is important for the growth and repair of tissues in the human body.

AQA GCSE Biology (8461) — 4.1.2 Cell division · Explain · 4 marks · View as Markdown

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

Model answer (4 marks)

Mitosis produces two daughter cells from one parent cell.
The daughter cells are genetically identical to the parent cell and to each other.
This allows new cells to replace damaged or dead cells, providing repair.
The new cells can differentiate to carry out the same function as the original tissue, increasing cell number for growth.

Examiner tips

Use the exact terms ‘genetically identical’, ‘repair’ and ‘growth’.
Show the causal link: mitosis → identical cells → replacement or increase in cell number → tissue function.
Keep answer concise – one sentence per point.
Mention differentiation to satisfy the last point.

Common mistakes

Confusing mitosis with meiosis or not stating that the cells are genetically identical.
Omitting the repair or growth aspect, or not linking mitosis to tissue function.
Using vague phrases like ‘cell division’ instead of ‘mitosis’ or ‘new cells’ instead of ‘daughter cells’.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

Mitosis produces two daughter cells (from one parent cell)
The daughter cells are genetically identical (to the parent cell / to each other)
This allows new cells to replace damaged or dead cells (repair) / increases the number of cells (growth)
The new cells can differentiate / become specialised to carry out the same function as the original tissue

Key terms in this question

mitosis