What is the process of mitosis?

Study for the AAPC Fundamentals of Medicine Test. Prepare with interactive flashcards and multiple choice questions, each offering hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

The process of mitosis is a form of cell division that results in the creation of two identical daughter cells, each having the same number of chromosomes as the original cell. This process is crucial for growth, development, and tissue repair in multicellular organisms.

During mitosis, the cell undergoes several stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. In these stages, the chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes, the nuclear envelope breaks down, chromosomes align at the cell's equator, and then the sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell. Finally, the cell divides its cytoplasm through a process called cytokinesis, resulting in two new cells.

This process is essential for maintaining the proper genetic complement within organisms and ensuring that when cells divide, each new cell preserves the original's genomic information. This is why the option that describes cells dividing to form two cells accurately captures the essence of mitosis.

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