AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Mitosis occurs in somatic cells; this means that it takes place in all types of cells that are not involved in the production of gametes. Prior to each mitotic division, a copy of every chromosome is created; thus, following division, a complete set of chromosomes is found in the nucleus of each new cell.

Detailed explanation-2: -The key to mitosis occurring is the presence of a nucleus. Therefore, organisms without nuclei (prokaryotes) miss out on this impressive process.

Detailed explanation-3: -Mitosis is used to produce daughter cells that are genetically identical to the parent cells. The cell copies-or ‘replicates’-its chromosomes, and then splits the copied chromosomes equally to make sure that each daughter cell has a full set. Your body contains trillions of cells (thousands of millions).

Detailed explanation-4: -Mitosis occurs whenever more cells are needed. It happens throughout the entire lifespan of a living organism (human, animal or plant) but most rapidly during periods of growth. This means, in humans, the fastest rate of mitosis happens in the zygote, embryo and infant stage.