A Levels Biology (9700)•9700/13/O/N/20

Explanation
Mitosis enables asexual reproduction in single-celled organisms
Steps:
- Recall mitosis features: 1. DNA replication before division, 2. Equal chromosome distribution to daughter cells, 3. Cytokinesis forming two cells.
- Determine relevance for single-celled organisms: they reproduce asexually via mitosis to create identical offspring.
- Evaluate importance: features 1 and 2 ensure genetic continuity and identical cells essential for survival and propagation.
- Exclude feature 3: cytokinesis is universal but not uniquely critical beyond basic division in single-celled contexts.
Why B is correct:
- Mitosis definition requires DNA replication (1) and chromosome segregation (2) for producing two genetically identical diploid cells, vital for single-celled asexual reproduction.
Why the others are wrong:
- A includes 3, which is not specifically important for single-celled mitosis beyond general cell splitting.
- C omits 2, ignoring equal chromosome distribution needed for genetic fidelity in offspring.
- D excludes 1, overlooking DNA replication essential for duplicating genetic material before division.
Final answer: B
Topic: Replication and division of nuclei and cells
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