What Type of Cell Does Mitosis Produce?

Each cell belonging to living organisms is capable of mitosis. Mitosis is a cellular process where genetic material, DNA, is duplicated followed by cytokinesis when the cell divides to produce identical cells. The process is similar for unicellular organisms, bacteria and protozoa, and complex multi-cellular plants and animals. The mitotic process begins with production of duplicate copies of DNA and follows with separation of one identical copy of each DNA molecule into each new cell. Therefore each cell resulting from mitosis contains the same genetic material necessary for survival and function.

Prokaryotic Cells

• Bacteria are prokaryotic single cell life forms that do not have a true nucleus where genetic material is separated from the remainder of the cell. Prokaryotes are not capable of sexual reproduction. Mitosis for prokaryotic organisms is a form of asexual reproduction. The end result of mitosis is two newly formed cells identical to the parent. Sometimes DNA replication results in errors, mutations in the one of the two molecules produced. In some cases bacteria join together before DNA replication and exchange a portion of the genetic material. When mutation or exchange occurs, the new cells are similar but genetically different than the parent cell.

Eukaryotic Single Cell Organisms

• Protozoa are eukaryotic single celled organisms similar to prokaryotes because they are also asexually reproduce. Protozoa may appear as simple one-cell life forms; however, they have developed all the necessary cellular components necessary for life in many different habitats. The progeny of mitotic division are two new protozoa each identical to the parent. Each protozoan cell possesses the necessary cellular components, including DNA, necessary for continued life and survival.

Mitosis During Development

• Development in multi-cellular organisms starts with a single cell called the "egg," or "seed" for plants. Cells divide by mitosis and produce genetically identical cells. However, cells eventually differentiate and become specialized into different cell types that make up tissue. One group of cells may become liver tissue in animals while other cells produce leaves on plants. The process is complex and not fully understood; however, contact with other cells already differentiated dictates what type a cell becomes after mitosis. Although every cell is genetically identical, different cells types utilize only those genes necessary for a specific function.

Mitosis After Development

• The process of mitosis continues throughout life in all multi-cellular organisms. Cells continue to divide in order to replace old worn-out cells. However, once cells become differentiated for a specific purpose, the progeny cells are identical to the parent cell with respect to genetic content and the expression of the genes. Cells that form most tissues are eventually replaced through the process of mitosis.