Which best describes the purposes of cellular division in multicellular organisms?

• A. To increase energy efficiency
• B. To shrink cells
• C. To produce genetic variation
• D. Growth, tissue repair, and reproduction

Answer: (D)

Cell division in multicellular organisms mainly serves to increase the number of cells for growth, to replace cells that are worn out or damaged for tissue repair, and to support reproduction by forming gametes and enabling development of offspring. Growth happens as new cells are produced to expand an organism’s size and mass. When tissues are injured, divisions replace broken or dead cells to restore function. Reproduction relies on cell division to produce gametes and to drive the developmental processes that lead to a new individual. While genetic variation can arise during meiosis, that variation is a byproduct of a specific type of division rather than the primary purpose of cell division for growth and maintenance. The other options don’t describe the main reasons cells divide in multicellular life.