Mitosis is the process of cell division that results in two daughter cells with identical genetic material as the original parent cell. It involves several key stages: prophase where the chromatin condenses and the nuclear envelope breaks down, metaphase where the chromosomes align in the center of the cell, and anaphase where the sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell. Finally telophase occurs when the nuclear envelope reforms around the separated chromosomes and cytokinesis divides the cytoplasm, completing cell division into two new daughter cells.