Final answer:
Mitosis is a form of cell division resulting in two genetically identical daughter cells, ensuring genetic continuity. It involves chromosome separation and is followed by cytokinesis. Meiosis, while similar in its initial steps, leads to four genetically distinct haploid cells through two nuclear divisions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of mitosis is essential for somatic cell division, where a parent cell divides to produce two genetically identical daughter cells. Both mitosis and meiosis start with one round of DNA replication; however, the processes diverge in outcomes. Mitotic divisions result in one nuclear division yielding two daughter nuclei identical to the original, whereas meiotic divisions encompass two nuclear divisions, leading to four daughter cells that are haploid and genetically distinct.
During mitosis, the crucial steps include the equal separation of chromosomes, ensuring that both emerging nuclei attain the same genetic information as the parent cell. Post-mitosis, cytokinesis occurs, dividing the cytoplasm and finalizing the formation of two diploid daughter cells, maintaining genetic continuity. On the contrary, meiosis generates genetic diversity through two sets of nuclear divisions, resulting in four unique haploid cells.