Cell division is the process by which cells replicate and divide to form new cells. It occurs through mitosis, which consists of several phases: interphase, prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase, and cytokinesis. During interphase, the cell grows and duplicates its DNA. Mitosis then follows, where the duplicated chromosomes align, separate, and move to opposite sides of the cell before cytokinesis divides the cell cytoplasm, resulting in two identical daughter cells. Cell division is essential for growth, tissue repair, sexual reproduction, and replacing old or damaged cells.
