Cellular reproduction in multicellular organisms occurs through the process of mitosis. What is the purpose of mitosis?

A.

to form gametes (e. g. sperm and ova)

B.

to form new somatic cells

C.

to replace old cells such as red blood cells

D.

to replace old chromosomes

The correct answer is B. to form new somatic cells.

Mitosis or cell division is a process where a single somatic cell divides into two genetically identical daughter cells. It is a stage of cell cycle together with interphase (before) and cytokinesis (after). Mitosis consists of four phases: prophase, prometaphase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.