Significance of mitosis to plant growth and development?

Question

Significance of mitosis to plant growth and development?

Answer 1

1.Growth! The number of cells within an organism increases by mitosis and this is the basis of growth in multicellular organisms.

2.Cell Replacement! Cells are constantly sloughed off, dying and being replaced by new ones in the skin and digestive tract. When damaged tissues are repaired, the new cells must be exact copies of the cells being replaced so as to retain normal function of cells.

3.Regeneration! Some animals can regenerate parts of the body, and production of new cells are achieved by mitosis.

4.Vegetative Reproduction! Some plants produce offspring which are genetically similar to themselves. These offspring are called clones.

Answer 2

In most plants there are two types of tissue in which mitosis occurs, apical meristems and lateral meristems.  The cells of these tissues are unspecialized, embryonic tissues capable of constant mitosis (cell division).

The apical meristem increases the length of the plant while the lateral meristems increase the diameter of the plant.  

The roots have an apical meristem that increases the length of the roots making contact with soil particles to absorb water and minerals.

Answer 3

Well without mitosis the plant would obviously not grow. It is equally functional, though in different ways for all of the plant's lifecycle.