Which process is critical for growth, repair, and asexual reproduction in eukaryotic organisms?

Mitosis is the key process for growth, repair, and asexual reproduction in eukaryotic organisms. During mitosis, a single cell divides to produce two genetically identical daughter cells. This process is essential for growth because it allows an organism to increase its cell number as it develops.

When it comes to repair, mitosis plays a crucial role in replacing damaged or dead cells, ensuring that tissues can maintain their structure and function. For asexual reproduction, which is a common method of reproduction in certain organisms like plants, fungi, and some single-celled eukaryotes, mitosis allows these organisms to reproduce without the contribution of genetic material from another organism, resulting in offspring that are clones of the parent.

In contrast, meiosis is a different type of cell division that results in gametes for sexual reproduction and does not directly contribute to growth or repair. Photosynthesis is a process by which certain organisms convert light energy into chemical energy but does not involve cell division. Respiration is a metabolic process that generates energy for cellular activities and is not directly related to the division of cells.

Thus, mitosis is integral to the processes that support an organism’s growth, maintenance, and asexual reproduction.