This nuclear division involves the separation of the two chromatids of each chromosome, which move apart to form two groups at opposite ends of the cell. In the final phase each group becomes enclosed in a new nuclear membrane. After this the cytoplasm usually divides to form two new cells.
Mitosis occurs in most animals and plants during the normal growth and repair of tissues.
Compare meiosis . The Macmillan Encyclopedia 2001 2. meiosis The Penguin Dictionary of Psychology 3. All rights reserved.