Give a brief account of somatic cell division.

Somatic cell division, also known as mitosis, is a fundamental process by which somatic cells replicate and divide to produce two identical daughter cells. This type of cell division occurs in various tissues and organs of the body for growth, development, and repair. Here's a brief account of the stages involved in somatic cell division:

Interphase: Before cell division begins, the cell goes through a period called interphase. During interphase, the cell grows, duplicates its organelles, and replicates its DNA. Interphase is further divided into three subphases: G1 (Gap 1), S (Synthesis), and G2 (Gap 2).

Prophase: Mitosis officially begins with prophase. During this stage, chromatin (the loosely packed form of DNA) condenses into visible chromosomes. The nuclear envelope breaks down, and the mitotic spindle, composed of microtubules, begins to form. Each chromosome consists of two sister chromatids joined at a centromere.

Metaphase: The condensed chromosomes align along the metaphase plate, which is an imaginary plane equidistant from the two poles of the cell. The spindle fibers attach to the centromeres of each chromosome, ensuring they are correctly positioned for separation.

Anaphase: Sister chromatids are pulled apart by the shortening of spindle fibers, separating and moving towards opposite poles of the cell. Each chromatid is now considered an independent chromosome.

Telophase: Once the separated chromosomes reach the opposite poles of the cell, they begin to decondense, returning to their elongated chromatin state. Nuclear envelopes form around each set of chromosomes, and the mitotic spindle breaks down.

Cytokinesis: While mitosis is the division of the nucleus, cytokinesis is the division of the cytoplasm. In animal cells, a cleavage furrow forms, pinching the cell membrane inward until two daughter cells are formed. In plant cells, a cell plate forms in the middle of the cell, eventually developing into a new cell wall, dividing the cell into two.

After cytokinesis, each daughter cell enters interphase, beginning the cycle anew. Somatic cell division ensures that each new cell receives a complete set of genetic information, maintaining genetic continuity and supporting growth and tissue repair in multicellular organisms.