Mitosis

It is a process of cell duplication, or reproduction (asexual), during which one cell gives rise to two genetically identical daughter cells. Strictly applied, the term mitosis is used to describe the duplication and distribution of chromosomes, the structures that carry the genetic information. (Encyclopedia Britannica).

(Source of diagram: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitosis)

Some key points to note about mitosis

- The resulting daughter cells will have the SAME number of chromosomes as original parent cell

- Occurs during growth and repair of cells, and also during asexual reproduction

-It is important to keep the same number of chromosome characteristics of the species (diploid) during body growth. It creates identical clones.