What are the two main types of cell division?

Mitosis and meiosis are indeed the two main types of cell division. Mitosis is the process through which a single somatic cell divides to produce two genetically identical daughter cells, which is essential for growth, repair, and asexual reproduction in multicellular organisms. During mitosis, the chromosomes are duplicated and evenly distributed to ensure that each daughter cell receives the same genetic material.

On the other hand, meiosis is a specialized form of cell division that occurs in the production of gametes—sperm and eggs. Meiosis reduces the chromosome number by half through two rounds of division (meiosis I and meiosis II), leading to four genetically diverse haploid cells. This process is fundamental for sexual reproduction, as it ensures genetic diversity and maintains the chromosome number across generations.

The other alternatives do not accurately represent the main types of cell division at this level of biological complexity. Binary fission is a simpler form of cell division seen primarily in prokaryotes, while cytokinesis refers specifically to the final physical separation of the daughter cells following the completion of nuclear division and is not a standalone type of cell division. Thus, the distinction between mitosis and meiosis captures the essential mechanisms governing cell proliferation and genetic diversity in both somatic