Jakautumaan

Jakautumaan is a Finnish verb meaning to divide, to split, or to reproduce in a way that creates multiple parts. In everyday language, it can refer to splitting a group into subgroups, distributing tasks, or sharing resources. In scientific contexts, jakautuminen (the noun form) commonly refers to cellular division, the process by which a cell splits to form daughter cells. This is essential for growth, development and tissue maintenance.

In prokaryotes, jakautuminen is binary fission: a single circular chromosome is replicated, the cell elongates, and a septum forms to separate into two genetically identical daughter cells. In eukaryotic organisms, cell division includes mitosis and meiosis. Mitosis produces two genetically identical diploid daughter cells and is followed by cytokinesis. Meiosis, by contrast, reduces chromosome number and produces four haploid gametes, increasing genetic variation through crossing over and independent assortment.

Outside biology, jakautuminen can describe organizational or conceptual division, such as a company splitting into subsidiaries or a population separating into subpopulations. The term is used across disciplines to denote a process of division or splitting, whether describing cells, groups, or systems.