Cell division is a broad term that refers to the process by which a single cell divides into two daughter cells. It is essential for growth, repair, and reproduction in living organisms. On the other hand, mitosis is a specific type of cell division that occurs in eukaryotic cells. It consists of multiple distinct stages, including prophase, prometaphase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. During mitosis, the genetic material of the cell, consisting of chromosomes, is evenly distributed between the two daughter cells. This ensures that each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes as the original parent cell. In contrast, cell division can also occur through other processes, such as binary fission in prokaryotic cells. Therefore, while mitosis is a specific type of cell division, cell division as a whole encompasses a broader range of mechanisms.
