Final answer:
Cell division without differentiation results in genetically identical cells without the acquisition of distinct functions. This occurs in early development but is insufficient for the growth and complexity needed in mature organisms. Differentiation is vital for cells to perform specialized roles within an organism.
Step-by-step explanation:
Result of Cell Division Without Differentiation
The result of cell division without differentiation leads to the production of multiple cells that are genetically identical to the original cell and to each other. In the context of development, cell division without differentiation occurs during the early stages when a fertilized egg divides to form a multicellular organism of the same size as the original cell. This is because the original cell contains ample 'materials' for creating daughter cells without the need for growth. However, for further development, growth is essential as it allows for the accumulation of materials necessary for continued cell division. In more mature organisms, such as most plants and animals, cell division through mitosis results in differentiated cells that adopt specific functions within the organism.
During mitosis, a single cell goes through phases - prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase, which are stages of division that end in cytokinesis. This leads to two identical daughter cells. However, differentiation is fundamental for the development of complex organisms from a fertilized egg to various specialized cell types, such as nerve cells, muscle cells, and epithelial cells. Without differentiation, the cells cannot perform distinct functions necessary for the organism’s survival.
Additional complexity in cell division includes the role of stem cells, which can divide indefinitely and, under specific conditions, differentiate into specialized cells. This shows the importance of both cell division and differentiation in the growth and development of multicellular organisms.