This key facts covers Why Do Cells Divide? within Mitosis and the Cell Cycle for GCSE Biology. Cell division by mitosis, cell cycle phases, chromosome behavior, cytokinesis differences, stem cells, cancer, and practical investigations It is section 3 of 19 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 3 of 19
Practice
18 questions
Recall
18 flashcards
📋 Why Do Cells Divide?
📈 Growth
Multicellular organisms start as single cells and grow by cell division
- Embryo development from fertilized egg
- Child growing into adult
- Plant seedling growing into mature plant
- Cell number increases exponentially
🩹 Repair and Replacement
Damaged or worn-out cells must be replaced with identical new cells
- Healing cuts and wounds
- Replacing dead skin cells
- Renewing gut lining
- Bone fracture repair
🌱 Asexual Reproduction
Some organisms reproduce by creating identical copies
- Bacteria dividing to form colonies
- Plant runners producing new plants
- Single-celled organisms reproducing
- Creating genetically identical offspring
Quick Check: Name the THREE reasons why cells divide by mitosis.
Growth (increasing cell number), repair and replacement (replacing damaged or worn-out cells), and asexual reproduction (producing genetically identical offspring).