Mitosis ensures genetic consistency across generations of cells. Stages: 1. Prophase: Chromosomes condense, and the nuclear envelope breaks down. 2. Metaphase: Chromosomes align at the cell’s center. 3. Anaphase: Sister chromatids separate to opposite poles. 4. Telophase: Nuclear membranes reform around the chromatids. Mitosis ensures that each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes.