Final answer:
The function of the cell cycle involving mitosis in eukaryotes is cell replacement. Mitosis is part of a process that produces two identical daughter cells for growth, replacement of old cells, and healing, distinguishing it from meiosis which is linked to sexual reproduction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The function of the cell cycle in eukaryotes that involves mitosis is cell replacement. The cell cycle is a fundamental process that includes growth, DNA synthesis, and cell division, which is crucial for the maintenance and development of an organism. In eukaryotic cells, the cell cycle has several phases, including the G1 phase (cell growth), S phase (DNA synthesis), G2 phase (preparation for mitosis), and the M phase (mitosis and cytokinesis).
During mitosis, a single cell divides to produce two genetically identical daughter cells. This process is vital for growth, the replacement of worn-out cells, and the healing of injuries. Mitosis is a key component of asexual reproduction in single-celled organisms and is also critical for the development of multicellular organisms from a single zygote. While meiosis is involved in the production of gametes and sexual reproduction, mitosis is the mechanism for maintaining and replacing cells within an organism.