What is the cell division process responsible for growth and tissue repair?

• A. Meiosis
• B. Mitosis
• C. Cytokinesis
• D. Binary Fission

Answer: (B)

Growth and tissue repair in multicellular organisms rely on mitosis. This process divides the nucleus after DNA has been replicated, producing two genetically identical diploid daughter nuclei that, after division of the cytoplasm (cytokinesis), become separate, functioning cells. Mitosis preserves the chromosome number in somatic (body) cells, which is essential for forming new tissue and replacing damaged cells.

Meiosis, on the other hand, reduces the chromosome number to produce gametes, not for everyday growth or repair. Cytokinesis completes cell division by splitting the cytoplasm, but it follows mitosis and does not by itself ensure the genetic material is properly set up for new cells. Binary fission occurs in simple organisms like bacteria and is not the process used for growth and tissue repair in multicellular organisms.