Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
What would most likely happen to human skin cells if mitosis did not take place?
A
The skin would develop additional layers to compensate for cell loss.
B
The skin would be unable to replace damaged or dead cells, leading to tissue breakdown.
C
The skin would become thicker due to uncontrolled cell growth.
D
The skin cells would start producing more energy through cellular respiration.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of mitosis: Mitosis is a process of cell division that allows for growth, repair, and replacement of damaged or dead cells. In the case of human skin, mitosis is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the skin by replacing old or damaged cells with new ones.
Analyze the scenario where mitosis does not occur: If mitosis were to stop, the skin cells would no longer divide to produce new cells. This would prevent the replacement of damaged or dead cells, leading to a gradual breakdown of the skin tissue.
Eliminate incorrect options: The skin developing additional layers or becoming thicker due to uncontrolled growth would require mitosis to occur, which contradicts the scenario. Similarly, increased energy production through cellular respiration is unrelated to the absence of mitosis.
Focus on the correct outcome: Without mitosis, the skin would lose its ability to regenerate and repair itself, leading to tissue breakdown over time.
Conclude the reasoning: The most likely outcome is that the skin would be unable to replace damaged or dead cells, resulting in tissue breakdown, as mitosis is essential for maintaining skin health and function.