In mitosis a cell splits to create 2 identical copies, for growth and repair.
The daughter cells are diploid (2 sets of chromosomes). The chromosomes line up, get pulled apart and the cytoplasm closes around them. The chromosomes have to replace themselves first.
Mitosis produces new cells for:
- Growth
- Repairing damaged body parts
- Asexual reproduction
Asexual reproduction:
- No fertilisation
- When bacteria split in two
Produces genetically identical offspring