noun

mitosis

/maɪˈtoʊsɪs/ · say it: my·TOH·sis

cell division producing two identical daughter cells

In more detail

1. (noun) the process by which a cell divides to form two identical daughter cells, used for growth and repair in living organisms

2. (noun) the stage of cell division where chromosomes separate and move to opposite poles of the cell

Examples

1. During mitosis, the cell's DNA is copied and distributed equally to the new cells.
2. The chromosomes become visible under a microscope during mitosis.

How to use mitosis

Mitosis is a technical biological term used to describe the type of cell division that produces genetically identical daughter cells. It is commonly contrasted with meiosis, which produces genetically different sex cells. The term is used in both educational and research contexts when discussing cellular reproduction and growth.

Common phrases

undergo mitosis
during mitosis
mitotic division
stages of mitosis
mitosis and cytokinesis

Synonyms

cell division · binary fission

Opposites

meiosis

Word family

mitotic (adjective) · mitotically (adverb)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse mitosis with meiosis, or use mitosis as a verb without the proper auxiliary (saying 'the cell mitosis' instead of 'the cell undergoes mitosis').

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