Cell proliferation, also known as cell growth, cell division, or cell replication is the basic process through which cells create new cells. Cells that contain an organized nucleus are classified as eukaryotic cells; and the life forms containing eukaryotic cells are classified as eukarya or eucaryotes. Cells lacking an organized nucleus, (e.g., bacterial cells), are classified as procaryotic cells, and those life forms containing prokaryotic cells are known as prokarya or procaryotes.

Cell proliferation is important to many biological processes, including the population growth of microorganic life forms and, in more complex organisms, fertilization, embryo development, body growth, and tissue repair and renovation. In higher animals and plants, reproductive cell proliferation is critical to gamete (sex cell) formation and species perpetuation. Somatic cells (i.e., non-reproductive cells) also proliferate to promote embryo development, growth, repair, and renovation of organs and body structures.

Growth processes from...