Mitosis - GCSE Biology Definition
Reviewed by: Naomi Holyoak
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What is mitosis?
In GCSE biology, mitosis is a type of cell division that forms part of the cell cycle. Mitosis produces cells that are identical to the original parent cell and is important for growth, repair and asexual reproduction.
The process of mitosis produces:
two daughter cells
cells that are genetically identical to the parent cell
cells with the same chromosome number as the parent cell
diploid body cells
Before mitosis takes place, all of the chromosomes are replicated (copied); this allows the normal chromosome number to be maintained when the copies are separated during mitosis.
Mutations in the DNA can cause uncontrolled mitosis to occur, resulting in a mass of cells known as a tumour; this can cause cancer.
Mitosis revision resources to ace your exams
You can explore mitosis further using our GCSE revision notes, topic questions and flashcards for your specific exam board:
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