What is Mitosis?

• A. Meiosis
• B. Mitosis
• C. Cytokinesis
• D. Binary fission

Answer: (B)

Mitosis is the division of a eukaryotic cell’s nucleus that ensures the chromosomes are distributed evenly into two genetically identical daughter nuclei. During this process, replicated chromosomes are captured by the spindle, aligned, and pulled apart so each new nucleus ends up with an identical set of chromosomes. Cytokinesis often follows, splitting the cytoplasm and completing cell division to yield two separate, genetically identical cells. This mechanism supports growth and tissue repair by keeping chromosome numbers constant in somatic cells. It’s distinct from meiosis, which reduces chromosome number to form gametes; from cytokinesis itself, which is the cytoplasmic division; and from binary fission, which is how many prokaryotic cells divide without a true nucleus.