What type of cells undergo mitosis?

• A. Gametes
• B. Somatic cells
• C. Bacterial cells
• D. Neurons

Answer: (B)

Mitosis is a process of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells, each having the same number of chromosomes as the original cell. This process is essential for growth, development, and tissue repair in multicellular organisms. Somatic cells, which are any cells forming the body of an organism except for the reproductive cells (gametes), undergo mitosis as they need to replicate for purposes such as growth, maintenance, and cellular repair.

In contrast, gametes (such as sperm and eggs) are formed through meiosis, not mitosis, as they need to have half the number of chromosomes for sexual reproduction. Bacterial cells reproduce primarily through a process called binary fission, which is different from mitosis, as bacteria are prokaryotes lacking a defined nucleus. Neurons, while they are somatic cells, typically do not undergo mitosis once fully differentiated, which is why they do not replicate like other somatic cells do. Thus, the correct answer emphasizes that somatic cells are the predominant type that undergo the mitotic process.