What is normal cell division called?

Normal cell division, which is essential for growth, repair, and maintenance of tissues in multicellular organisms, is termed mitosis. During mitosis, a single cell divides to produce two identical daughter cells, each containing the same number of chromosomes as the original cell. This process involves several well-defined stages, including prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase, leading up to the final separation of the cell into two.

Mitosis is distinct from meiosis, which is a type of cell division that results in gametes (sperm and eggs) with half the number of chromosomes, and is essential for sexual reproduction. Binary fission is a form of asexual reproduction seen mainly in prokaryotic organisms, such as bacteria, where the cell divides into two equal halves. Cytokinesis refers specifically to the physical process of cell division following mitosis, where the cytoplasm is divided, and the cell separates into two.

Thus, the definition of normal cell division aligns with mitosis, making it the appropriate choice.