Mitosis is a type of cell division that ensures genetic continuity by producing two identical daughter cells from one parent cell. It occurs in somatic (body) cells and is essential for growth, repair, and asexual reproduction. Mitosis has four main stages—prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase—followed by cytokinesis, which splits the cytoplasm. During prophase, chromosomes condense; in metaphase, they align at the cell’s equator; in anaphase, sister chromatids separate; and in telophase, nuclear membranes reform. Mitosis maintains the diploid chromosome number, ensuring each daughter cell receives an exact copy of genetic material, which preserves the organism’s genetic stability across cell generations.
