Question

Give two significances each of Mitosis & Meiosis.

Answer 1

Following are the significance of mitosis

1. Growth - Somatic cells are formed by mitosis so it is essential for growth.

2. Cell size - An overgrown somatic cell is induced to divided so that it maintains proper surface area to volume ratio.

Following are the significance of meiosis

1. Formation of Gametes - Miosis form Gametes which are essential for sexual reproduction as new individuals are formed by fusion of Gametes

2. Maintainance of chromosome numbers - Miosis reduces number of chromosomes to half in gametes so that original deploid number restores in zygote after fertilization.

Answer 2

Answer:

• Mitosis ensures that the daughter cells inherit the same number of chromosomes. Hence, the chromosomes which carry hereditary information in the form of genes pass unaltered from one generation to another.

• Dead cells are replaced by newly formed cells through mitosis. Thus, it helps in the healing and repair of cells. eg. Blood cells, cells of skin surface.

• It helps to maintain equilibrium in the amount of DNA and RNA contents of a cell and also the nuclear and cytoplasmic balance in the cell.
• In unicellular organisms, mitosis helps in asexual reproduction.