IGCSE›Cambridge IGCSE Biology›Mind mapsMitosisCambridge IGCSE Biology: Mind mapStudy pack PDFAlso for this subtopic:Revision notesFlashcardsSubtopic testCover factsWhat is it?Nuclear division giving two identical cellsDaughter cells are genetically identicalChromosome number is kept, not halvedHow it worksChromosomes replicate exactly firstEach chromosome is two identical copiesCopies separate, one to each nucleusDiploid stays diploidMitosisidentical daughter cellsWhy neededGrowth: more cellsRepair of damaged tissueReplacement of worn-out cellsAsexual reproductionStem cellsUnspecialised cellsDivide by mitosisDaughters can become specialisede.g. muscle, nerve or blood cellsExam tipsMitosis: identical cells, same chromosome numberMeiosis: different cells, number halvedExample: cut skin repaired by mitosis