What is the primary function of mitosis?

Study for the HESI A2 Anatomy exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each designed to deepen your understanding. Prepare to excel and achieve your best score!

The primary function of mitosis is nuclear division, which is a critical process in the cell cycle where a single nucleus divides to form two nuclei. This division ensures that each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes, maintaining genetic consistency across cell generations. Mitosis plays a vital role in growth, tissue repair, and asexual reproduction in organisms. By effectively dividing the genetic material, mitosis allows for the maintenance and distribution of the genomic content without alteration.

Other processes, such as DNA replication, occur during the interphase before mitosis begins, preparing the genetic material for division. Nuclear energy production and cellular waste disposal are unrelated to the specific function of mitosis and do not pertain to the process of nuclear division itself. Understanding the role of mitosis helps clarify the importance of organized cellular duplication and the continuation of life at the cellular level.

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