Final answer:
Mitosis is a process of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells, each with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell, ensuring DNA replication and distribution to both daughter cells for the continuity of genetic information.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mitosis is a type of cell division that occurs in somatic cells, which are all cells of the body except for sex cells. The purpose of mitosis is to produce two genetically identical daughter cells, each with the same number of chromosomes as the original cell. This process ensures that when a cell divides, the resulting cells have the exact same DNA, necessary for growth, tissue repair, and asexual reproduction in certain organisms. Mitosis includes several phases: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase, followed by cytokinesis. During these phases, chromosomes are replicated and equally distributed to both daughter cells.