If cells only went through mitosis and not meiosis, it would be really interesting but also a bit worrisome!
Genetic Similarity: Mitosis creates two new cells that are exactly the same. Without meiosis to mix up genes through processes like crossing over and sorting, the variety of genes in the population would drop. This means everyone would be more alike.
Diploid Build-Up: Most living things have two sets of chromosomes, which is called diploid. If mitosis kept happening without meiosis, the number of diploid cells could grow very fast. This would make it hard for the population to adjust to changes in their surroundings.
Cancer Danger: If mitosis happens too much, it can lead to tumors because cells grow without proper rules. Without the control that meiosis provides, the risk of developing cancer could go up.
In short, a population that only uses mitosis could run into problems like less genetic variety and health issues. This shows us how important meiosis is for evolution and survival!
If cells only went through mitosis and not meiosis, it would be really interesting but also a bit worrisome!
Genetic Similarity: Mitosis creates two new cells that are exactly the same. Without meiosis to mix up genes through processes like crossing over and sorting, the variety of genes in the population would drop. This means everyone would be more alike.
Diploid Build-Up: Most living things have two sets of chromosomes, which is called diploid. If mitosis kept happening without meiosis, the number of diploid cells could grow very fast. This would make it hard for the population to adjust to changes in their surroundings.
Cancer Danger: If mitosis happens too much, it can lead to tumors because cells grow without proper rules. Without the control that meiosis provides, the risk of developing cancer could go up.
In short, a population that only uses mitosis could run into problems like less genetic variety and health issues. This shows us how important meiosis is for evolution and survival!