[Campbell Biology P.284] According to the text, which of the following is NOT described as a... | Practice Question

According to the text, which of the following is NOT described as a primary role of cell division in multicellular eukaryotes?

  • A: Reproduction of an entire organism (e.g., unicellular eukaryote)
  • B: Growth and development from a fertilized egg into an adult
  • C: Renewal and repair of tissues (e.g., replacing dead cells)
  • D: Production of genetically varied gametes (sperm and eggs)

Explanation

The text explicitly states that 'The exception is meiosis, the special type of eukaryotic cell division that can produce sperm and eggs.' While meiosis is a type of cell division, the passage focuses on cell division leading to genetically identical daughter cells for reproduction in unicellular organisms , growth, and repair in multicellular eukaryotes. The production of genetically varied gametes is presented as an exception to this general rule and not a primary role of cell division as broadly discussed.