Mitosis is the process where a cell divides into two identical daughter cells. It occurs in both plant and animal cells as part of growth and development. In plants, mitotically dividing cells are found in meristems, while in animals they are in dividing embryos and growing tissues. Mitosis maintains the same number and type of chromosomes, allowing genetic information to be identically passed to both daughter cells. It involves several phases: interphase, prophase, prometaphase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase, and cytokinesis. Cytokinesis then separates the two daughter cells through a cell plate in plants or cleavage furrow in animals.