Answer to Question #75629 in Biology for Erik Valdez

Question

Why are both mitosis and differentiation important in creating complex organisms like us?

Answer 1

Complex organisms develop from the single cell, or zygote. Therefore, the number of cells should increase, and still they should maintain their genetic identity. It is possible due to mitosis, which results in production of identical daughter cells.
At the same time, different body parts vary in structure and function. It suggests the production of different proteins, which is possible only in case of differential expression of genes. Thus, differentiation of cells is important.