Key Concepts in Mitosis and Diffusion
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aksadik53727185Key Concepts in Mitosis and Diffusion
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aksadik53727185Biology Notes
Mitosis
1. Growth of the body
Mitosis helps in increasing the number of cells in an organism. As a result, the body grows in size from a
single cell (zygote) to a multicellular organism.
2. Repair and healing of injured tissues
When tissues are damaged (like cuts or wounds), mitosis produces new cells to replace the dead or injured
cells and heal the body.
3. Replacement of old and worn-out cells
Old, weak or dead cells (like skin or blood cells) are regularly replaced by new cells formed through mitosis.
4. Maintenance of chromosome number
Mitosis ensures that daughter cells get the same number of chromosomes (same genetic information) as the
parent cell (in humans, 46 chromosomes).
5. Asexual reproduction in some organisms
In unicellular organisms (like amoeba) and certain plants, mitosis helps in reproduction, producing new
individuals that are genetically identical to the parent.
6. Maintaining proper function of organs
By forming new cells, mitosis ensures that organs continue to function normally, as they stay healthy and
active.
Diffusion
Process:
Diffusion is the process by which molecules of gas, liquid, or dissolved substances move from a region where
they are in higher concentration to a region where they are in lower concentration. This movement continues
until the molecules are evenly spread out. Diffusion does not require energy and occurs naturally.
Example:
When you spray perfume in one corner of a room, its smell gradually spreads throughout the room as the
perfume particles diffuse from the area of high concentration (where sprayed) to low concentration (rest of the
room).
Osmosis
Process:
Osmosis is the movement of water molecules through a semipermeable membrane from a region of higher
water concentration (or lower solute concentration) to a region of lower water concentration (or higher solute
concentration). Osmosis helps cells absorb or release water as needed.
Example:
When dry raisins are placed in water, water moves through their skin (semipermeable membrane) into them,
causing them to swell as they take in water.
Transpiration
Process:
Transpiration is the process by which water vapor is lost from the aerial parts of a plant, mainly through tiny
pores called stomata in the leaves. The water evaporates into the air, which helps in cooling the plant and
pulling water upward from the roots.
Example:
If you tie a clear plastic bag around the leaves of a plant on a sunny day, after some time you will see water