The type of cell division used to replace old, worn-out, or damaged cells is mitosis.

Quick Scoop

When your body needs to heal a cut, grow a bit taller, or simply refresh aging cells, it relies on mitosis. In mitosis, one cell splits to make two new cells that are genetically identical to the original, so the tissue keeps the same structure and function.

  • Mitosis happens in somatic (body) cells like skin, gut, and muscle.
  • Its main jobs are:
    • Growth of the organism.
* Repair of damaged tissues (like cuts or bruises).

* Replacement of old or dead cells (for example, shedding skin cells).

In short: when the body needs more of the same kind of cell to keep things running smoothly, it uses mitosis to copy and replace.

Extra context

  • The other major type of cell division, meiosis , is used only to make gametes (sperm and egg cells) for sexual reproduction, not for replacing old cells.
  • Because mitosis makes identical daughter cells with the same number of chromosomes, the tissue stays genetically consistent as it renews.

TL;DR: The cell division that replaces old cells is mitosis. ✅