Final answer:
Mitosis is the process by which a somatic cell divides to form two genetically identical daughter cells, with each receiving a full set of chromosomes, ensuring genetic continuity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term for the process by which a somatic cell divides into two daughter cells is known as mitosis. During this process, a sequence of steps ensures that each daughter cell receives an exact copy of the parent cell’s DNA. Ultimately, mitosis produces two genetically identical daughter cells, each with a diploid number of chromosomes, which for humans is 46 (23 pairs).
There are two main phases of this process: mitosis, which includes multiple stages of nuclear division, and cytokinesis, which is the division of the cytoplasm. This sequence results in the equal distribution of chromosomes and cytoplasm to the daughter cells. The genetic continuity is crucial for the development, growth, and repair of multicellular organisms.