Give reasons as to why cell division cannot be a type of reproduction in multicellular organisms.
Cell division cannot be considered a type of reproduction in multicellular organisms for the following reasons:
Complex Body Organization: Multicellular organisms possess complex structures with specialized cells forming tissues and organs. Unlike unicellular organisms such as bacteria, the division of a single cell in multicellular organisms does not result in the formation of an entirely new organism.
Reproduction Requires Specialized Cells: Reproduction in multicellular organisms requires specialized cells, such as gametes, and specific reproductive structures. These are not directly produced through regular cell division processes like mitosis.
Growth vs. Reproduction: In multicellular organisms, cell division supports growth and maintenance, which are separate from reproduction. Reproduction, in this context, refers to the generation of a new, independent organism, a function not fulfilled by routine cell division.