Pearson Edexcel · GCSE · Biology
Course version: 1BI0 · Version from Sept 2016
Describe the division of a cell by mitosis as the production of two…
Full specification wording
Topic 2 – Cells and control: 2.3 Describe the division of a cell by mitosis as the production of two daughter cells, each with identical sets of chromosomes in the nucleus to the parent cell, and that this results in the formation of two genetically identical diploid body cells
Before a cell divides by mitosis, it copies its chromosomes so each chromosome exists as two identical copies.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 1BI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 3 of 16
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Before a cell divides by mitosis, it copies its chromosomes so each chromosome exists as two identical copies. During mitosis the nucleus divides so that one complete set of chromosomes goes to each end of the cell, and the cell then splits into two. The result is two daughter cells, and each daughter cell has an identical set of chromosomes in its nucleus to the parent cell. Because the chromosome set is complete and unchanged, each daughter cell is diploid, meaning it has two of each chromosome, and the two cells are genetically identical to each other and to the parent. These are body (somatic) cells, not gametes. So mitosis takes one parent cell and yields two genetically identical diploid body cells.
What earns the marks
- Mitosis produces two daughter cells from one parent cell.
- Each daughter cell has an identical set of chromosomes in its nucleus to the parent cell.
- The chromosome number is maintained, so each daughter cell is diploid (two of each chromosome).
- The two daughter cells are genetically identical to each other and to the parent cell.
- The products are body (somatic) cells, not gametes, so the process is not meiosis.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Saying mitosis produces four daughter cells.
Put it right by stating mitosis produces two daughter cells.
Saying daughter cells are haploid.
Put it right by stating they are diploid, with the same chromosome number as the parent.
Confusing mitosis with meiosis.
Put it right: Meiosis makes gametes with half the chromosome number, whereas mitosis makes identical diploid body cells.
Exam tips
- Check the number of daughter cells and the chromosome number in each option before choosing.
- Reject options that describe gametes or halving of chromosome number, because these describe meiosis, not mitosis.
- Confirm the option states the daughter cells are genetically identical to the parent cell.
Try the lesson
The start of the Topic 2 – Cells and control: 2.3 Describe the division of a cell by mitosis as the production of two daughter cells, each with identical sets of chromosomes in the nucleus to the parent cell, and that this results in the formation of two genetically identical diploid body cells lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
When one body cell divides by mitosis, how many daughter cells are produced?
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Test your understanding of Topic 2 – Cells and control: 2.3 Describe the division of a cell by mitosis as the production of two daughter cells, each with identical sets of chromosomes in the nucleus to the parent cell, and that this results in the formation of two genetically identical diploid body cells
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