Question

Examine the cell process shown below. Predict what could happen to a multicellular organism if a) the process occurred too frequently and b) the process did not occur frequently enough. Answer in 2-3 complete sentences and include the name of the process pictured in your answer.

Answer 1

The process pictured is mitosis (cell division). If mitosis occurred too frequently, cells would proliferate uncontrollably leading to tumors or cancer and disruption of normal tissue function; if it occurred too infrequently, the organism would have impaired growth, poor wound healing, and inability to replace worn-out or damaged cells, causing tissue degeneration and organ dysfunction.