Describe the process of mitosis in animal cells.

Mitosis in animal cells is a process of cell division that results in two identical daughter cells.

Mitosis is a fundamental process for life, ensuring that when cells divide, each new cell has the same genetic material as the original. This process is crucial for growth, repair, and general maintenance of an organism. It is divided into several stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase, followed by cytokinesis.

In the prophase, the cell's chromatin condenses into chromosomes, and the nuclear envelope breaks down. Centrioles, which are located in the centrosome, move to opposite ends of the cell, forming the spindle fibres. These fibres will later attach to the chromosomes and help in their separation.

During metaphase, the chromosomes align at the cell's equator, also known as the metaphase plate. Each chromosome is attached to a spindle fibre at its centromere, which is the point where the two chromatids of a chromosome are attached.

Anaphase follows, where the sister chromatids of each chromosome are pulled apart by the spindle fibres. They move towards opposite ends of the cell, ensuring that each new cell will receive one copy of each chromosome.

In telophase, a new nuclear envelope forms around each set of separated chromosomes. The chromosomes begin to spread out, and the spindle fibres break down. The cell elongates in preparation for cytokinesis, the final stage of cell division.

Cytokinesis is the physical division of the cell into two. In animal cells, this is achieved through a process called cleavage. A cleavage furrow forms at the equator of the cell and deepens until the cell is pinched in two, forming two identical daughter cells.

In summary, mitosis is a complex and highly regulated process that ensures the accurate duplication and distribution of a cell's genetic material during cell division. It is essential for growth, repair, and maintenance of an organism.