Illinois Nail Technician Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Prep Guide

Mitosis refers specifically to the process of cell division in which a single cell divides to produce two genetically identical daughter cells. This process is crucial for various biological functions, including growth, repair, and asexual reproduction. It ensures that each new daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes, maintaining the genetic continuity necessary for proper cellular function.

During mitosis, the cell undergoes several distinct phases: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase, followed by cytokinesis, where the cytoplasm divides. This systematic and regulated sequence is essential for maintaining genetic stability, which is why it plays a fundamental role in multicellular organisms.

Understanding mitosis is key to grasping broader biological concepts such as development and tissue regeneration, making it a foundational topic in cell biology. The other options relate to different biological processes that do not accurately describe mitosis, focusing instead on protein synthesis, activation of cells, or periods of rest in the cell cycle.