This chapter provides the basis for understanding how cells are capable of reproducing themselves.  Some organisms will only use one type of cell reproduction while most will use both mitosis and meiosis.  Meiosis is the process by which an organism prepares cells to be used as vessles to carry it's chromosomes into the next generation.  These cells are used in sexual reproduction.  Mitosis on the other hand is a process by which a cell can reproduce itself asexually.  Mitosis is used by multicellular organisms to repair and replace dead and damaged cells, as well as increase the number of those already present.  The study of mitosis and meiosis reveals that nature shows continuity in reproduction both sexually and asexually.