The type of cell division that produces cells which are genetically identical is mitosis.

Quick Scoop: The Core Answer

When a cell wants to make an exact copy of itself—same DNA, same chromosome number—it uses mitosis, not meiosis. This is how your body grows, heals cuts, and replaces worn‑out cells.

What Happens in Mitosis?

You can think of mitosis as a carefully choreographed copy‑and‑split routine:

  1. The cell first copies all of its DNA during interphase (before mitosis starts).
  1. The chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell and attach to spindle fibers.
  1. The copies are pulled apart so each side of the cell gets one full set of chromosomes.
  1. The cell splits into two daughter cells, each genetically identical to the original cell and to each other.

A simple way to picture it: one book is photocopied, the pages are sorted into two complete sets, and then placed into two new binders with the same content.

Mitosis vs. Meiosis (Why Only One Gives Identical Cells)

Although the question is simple, students often mix up these two:

  • Mitosis
    • Produces two daughter cells.
* Daughter cells are genetically identical to the parent cell.

* Used for growth, repair, and asexual reproduction.
  • Meiosis
    • Produces four daughter cells after two rounds of division.
* Daughter cells are genetically different and have half the chromosome number (haploid).

* Used to make gametes (sperm and egg cells) for sexual reproduction.

Key Features Table (Mitosis vs. Meiosis)

[3][9][1] [5][9][1][3] [9][1][3][7] [1][3][5][9] [3][7][9][1] [5][9][1][3] [4][9][1][3] [4][9][1][3][5] [9][1][3] [1][3][5][9]
Feature Mitosis Meiosis
Number of divisions One round of division.Two rounds of division.
Number of daughter cells Two cells formed.Four cells formed.
Genetic similarity Genetically identical to parent and each other.Genetically different from parent and each other.
Chromosome number Maintains same number as parent (diploid → diploid in humans).Halves the number (diploid → haploid).
Main purpose Growth, tissue repair, asexual reproduction.Production of gametes (egg and sperm).

Mini “Story” to Lock It In

Imagine your body as a huge city made of trillions of buildings (cells). Every time a building needs to be replaced or extended, the construction team pulls out the original blueprint, copies it perfectly, and then builds an identical new building right next door. That “perfect blueprint copy and build” process is mitosis, ensuring every new building matches the original design.

SEO Bits (For Your Post)

  • Main answer: Mitosis is the type of cell division that results in genetically identical cells.
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TL;DR: The cell division that produces genetically identical cells is mitosis, not meiosis.