Question

What are the three functions of cell division?

Answer 1

Hint: Cell division is the process where a cell divides into two daughter cells having similar structure and function and the same amount of genetic material (in case of mitosis or equational cell division) or into 4 haploid cells having half the amount of genetic material (in case of meiosis).

Complete answer:
The three main major functions of cell division are:
Growth: All organisms grow in size. This growth primarily occurs by two ways- elongation of cells or increase in cellular mass, and, by increasing the number of cells in the body.
Reproduction: In unicellular organisms, reproduction is significantly brought about by division or mitosis. The older cells subsequently divide into two daughter cells. The individual daughter cell becomes a new organism.
Also, asexual mode of reproductions like budding in Hydra, Yeast, etc. also occurs through cell division (mitosis).
Gamete formation: In organisms that reproduce sexually, the gamete mother cells divide into 4 daughter cells through meiotic process. In this particular type of cell division, the ploidy level of the daughter cells becomes half. By this process, ‘haploid’ gametes are formed.
Thus, when the gametes from both the paternal and maternal side fuse during mating, the genetic ploidy level of the organism is restored. So, meiosis helps in maintaining the race of the species by avoiding any genetic ploidy level changes.

Note:
According to cell theory, all cells arise from pre-existing cells. And the process by which these cells divide is known as cell division. Cells particularly divide by two means- Mitosis or equational division, and meiosis a reductional division.
Mitosis is necessary for the growth of the organisms. It also serves as a mode of reproduction for unicellular organisms.
Meiosis divides a single germ mother cell having a ploidy level of 2n into 4 daughter cells having the ploidy level n. It is helpful in the formation of gametes.