Mitosis or the equational division is usually restricted to the diploid cells only. However, in some lower plants and in some social insects haploid cells also divide by mitosis. It is very essential to understand the significance of this division in the life of an organism. Are you aware of some examples where you have studied about haploid and diploid insects? Mitosis results in the production of diploid daughter cells with identical genetic complement usually. The growth of multicellular organisms is due to mitosis. Cell growth results in disturbing the ratio between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. It therefore becomes essential for the cell to divide to restore the nucleo-cytoplasmic ratio. A very significant contribution of mitosis is cell repair. The cells of the upper layer of the epidermis, cells of the lining of the gut, and blood cells are being constantly replaced. Mitotic divisions in the meristematic tissues – the apical and the lateral cambium, result in a continuous growth of plants throughout their life.

Mitosis in Haploid Cells in Lower Plants and Social Insects

Lower plants and social insects have haploid cells that undergo mitosis for their division. Let us understand this process in detail.

Haploid Cells

Haploid cells are the cells that have a single set of chromosomes. In other words, they have half the number of chromosomes as compared to diploid cells. The haploid cells are formed after meiosis, a type of cell division that results in the formation of haploid gametes (sex cells) in organisms.

Mitosis

Mitosis is a type of cell division that occurs in eukaryotic cells. It results in the formation of two identical daughter cells from a single parent cell. The process of mitosis involves the following stages:

- Prophase: The chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes, and the nuclear envelope breaks down.
- Metaphase: The chromosomes align at the cell's equator and get attached to spindle fibers.
- Anaphase: The sister chromatids separate and move towards opposite poles of the cell.
- Telophase: The chromosomes reach the opposite poles of the cell, and the nuclear envelope reforms around them.
- Cytokinesis: The cytoplasm divides, resulting in the formation of two identical daughter cells.

Mitosis in Haploid Cells

In haploid cells, mitosis is the process of cell division that results in the formation of new haploid cells. The haploid cells divide by mitosis to produce more haploid cells. This process occurs in lower plants and social insects, where haploid cells perform various functions, including asexual reproduction, gamete production, and somatic cell division.

Conclusion

In conclusion, lower plants and social insects have haploid cells that divide by mitosis. Haploid cells are the cells that have a single set of chromosomes, and mitosis is a type of cell division that results in the formation of two identical daughter cells from a single parent cell. Mitosis in haploid cells is essential for various functions, including asexual reproduction, gamete production, and somatic cell division.

In some lower plants and in some social insects haploid cells also divide by mitosis.