What is the process called whereby the cell nucleus divides in eukaryotic cells?

In eukaryotic cells, the process by which the cell nucleus divides is called mitosis. This is a crucial part of the cell cycle, enabling growth, development, and tissue repair. During mitosis, the genetic material is duplicated and then evenly distributed into two daughter nuclei, ensuring that each new cell receives an identical set of chromosomes.

Mitosis comprises several stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase, each contributing to the accurate separation of chromosomes. Following mitosis, cytokinesis occurs, which is the division of the cytoplasm, resulting in two separate cells.

This process is distinct from meiosis, which specifically produces gametes (sperm and egg cells) and involves two rounds of division, leading to a reduction in chromosome number. Binary fission, on the other hand, is a form of asexual reproduction primarily seen in prokaryotic organisms, where the cell divides into two equal halves. Fragmentation refers to a form of asexual reproduction where an organism breaks into fragments, each capable of growing into a new individual, commonly seen in certain types of algae and worms. Thus, the process of cell nucleus division in eukaryotic cells is accurately described as mitosis.