Mitosis is the process of cell division that produces two genetically identical daughter cells from a single parent cell. This process occurs throughout an individual's life and is essential for growth, tissue repair, and asexual reproduction in some organisms.
In humans, mitosis takes place in somatic cells, which are all body cells except for sperm and egg cells (gametes). The cells produced through mitosis are diploid, meaning they contain two sets of chromosomes—one set inherited from each parent.
Mitosis occurs at various stages of life, including:
- Embryonic Development: Rapid cell division occurs in the early stages after fertilization.
- Childhood and Growth: Mitosis is crucial for growth as it allows for the increase in the number of cells.
- Tissue Repair: Mitosis helps in healing wounds and replacing dead or damaged cells throughout life.
- Cell Turnover: In tissues with high turnover rates, such as the skin and blood, mitosis occurs continuously to replace old cells.
Overall, the cells produced from mitosis are referred to as "daughter cells," and they maintain the same genetic makeup as the original cell (the parent cell).