What is the cell division process called?

The cell division process referred to in this context is known as mitosis. Mitosis is a fundamental biological process by which a single cell divides to produce two genetically identical daughter cells. This process is crucial for growth, development, and tissue repair in multicellular organisms. It involves several stages including prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase, ultimately leading to the separation of the duplicated chromosomes and the formation of two distinct nuclei before the cell divides its cytoplasm during cytokinesis.

In contrast, meiosis is a type of cell division specifically involved in the production of gametes (sperm and eggs) and results in four non-identical cells, each with half the number of chromosomes of the original cell. Apoptosis refers to programmed cell death, a vital process for maintaining healthy tissue by eliminating damaged or unnecessary cells, rather than a division process. Fission is primarily associated with the asexual reproduction of prokaryotic organisms, such as bacteria, and is not the most relevant term for eukaryotic cell division like mitosis.