Final answer:
Mitosis is important because it allows for growth and repair of cells by accurately replicating and distributing the cell's DNA to create two genetically identical daughter cells. It does not create different cell types, merge cells, or directly contribute to the reproduction of organisms.
Step-by-step explanation:
Importance of Mitosis in Cell Division
Mitosis plays a crucial role in the life of organisms and is essential for various biological processes. It enables multicellular organisms to grow, develop, and replace worn-out or damaged cells. Cell division through mitosis is a tightly regulated process that ensures that each of the two new daughter cells receives a full set of genetic material identical to the parent cell. This process is fundamental to the maintenance and health of an organism.
When we consider the options provided for why mitosis is important, the correct answer is that it allows for growth and repair of cells. Mitosis does not produce different types of cells, merge two cells into one, or directly facilitate the reproduction of organisms—that role is mainly played by meiosis, which creates gametes for sexual reproduction. Instead, mitosis ensures that as cells grow, divide, and repair tissues, each new cell has the necessary genetic information to function properly.
In humans and other animals, mitotic cell division is responsible for replacing cells that have a limited lifespan, such as skin cells and blood cells. For instance, after an injury like a cut on the skin, mitosis is the process by which new skin cells are produced to heal the wound. Similarly, it contributes to growth during childhood and adolescence and helps maintain the body's tissues throughout life.
Therefore, mitosis is not just a biological process but a foundation for the continuation and health of life in multicellular organisms. By replicating DNA accurately and distributing it evenly between two daughter cells, mitosis preserves the genetic continuity and contributes to homeostasis.
Given the information provided and the context of the question, we would mention that the correct option answer is mitosis allows for growth and repair of cells.