Final answer:
Mitosis is a cell division process consisting of distinct phases—prophase, prometaphase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase—culminating in the distribution of identical genetic material to two daughter cells, followed by cytokinesis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mitosis is a critical process of cell division that includes several phases: prophase, prometaphase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. During these stages, the cell's nucleus is divided, ensuring that each resulting daughter cell receives a complete set of genetic material.
This division is called karyokinesis. Upon the conclusion of mitosis, the cell undergoes cytokinesis, which is the division of the cytoplasmic components, resulting in two identical daughter cells. This process occurs in all normally dividing cells of the body, excluding the germ cells responsible for producing eggs and sperm.