The type of cell division that produces somatic cells is known as mitosis. In mitosis, a single parent cell divides to produce two genetically identical daughter cells with the same number of chromosomes. This process is essential for growth, development, and tissue repair in multicellular organisms. Mitosis is characterized by distinct phases: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. Understanding mitosis is crucial in fields like genetics, cell biology, and cancer research, as it provides insight into how cells replicate and maintain genetic integrity.