What does the term 'mitosis' specifically refer to?

The term 'mitosis' specifically refers to the process of cell division that results in two daughter cells, each genetically identical to the original parent cell. This is a crucial phase in the cell cycle where a single cell's nucleus divides, ensuring that the resulting daughter cells have the same number of chromosomes as the original cell. During mitosis, several key stages—prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase—occur to facilitate the organized distribution of duplicated genetic material. This process is vital for growth, tissue repair, and asexual reproduction in many organisms. Mitosis contrasts with other processes such as meiosis, which involves the production of gametes with half the number of chromosomes, or cell cycles that encompass broader activities beyond just division.