Final answer:
Cell division is a key process in the life cycle of eukaryotic cells involving the stages of prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase, followed by cytokinesis, resulting in two daughter cells each with a complete set of chromosomes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cell Division and Mitosis
Cell division is a fundamental process by which a single cell divides to produce two daughter cells. It is crucial for growth, reproduction, and repair of multicellular organisms. In eukaryotic cells, cell division occurs through the process of mitosis, which is divided into distinct phases: prophase, prometaphase (some sources omit this, consolidating it with prophase), metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. Following these stages, cytokinesis takes place, which is the partitioning of the cell's cytoplasm to form two separate cell entities. During prophase, the chromosomes condense and become visible under a microscope. Metaphase is characterized by the alignment of chromosomes at the cell's equatorial plate. In anaphase, the sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite sides of the cell. Finally, during telophase, the nuclear envelope re-forms around each set of separated sister chromatids. These events ensure that each daughter cell receives an accurate and complete set of chromosomes.