What is the term for the process of division or duplication of a typical cell?

The correct term for the process of division or duplication of a typical cell is mitosis. Mitosis is a fundamental process that occurs in somatic cells, allowing one cell to divide into two genetically identical daughter cells, each containing the same number of chromosomes as the original cell. This process is essential for growth, repair, and asexual reproduction in multicellular organisms.

During mitosis, the cell goes through several phases—prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase—ensuring that the genetic material is accurately replicated and distributed. This precise division is crucial for maintaining genetic consistency across cells, which is vital for proper function and development in organisms.

In contrast, meiosis, while also a method of cell division, is specifically designed for the production of gametes (sperm and eggs) and results in cells that have half the number of chromosomes, which is not the case in typical somatic cell division. Cellular respiration is the biochemical process by which cells convert nutrients into energy, and fertilization refers to the union of sperm and egg, not the division of cells.