Describe how the chromosome number of an organism would change if somatic cells joined together during fertilization to make a zygote for each new generation

The cell division process that produces new cells for growth, repair, and the general replacement of older cells is called mitosis.  In this process, a somatic cell divides into two complete new cells that are identical to the original one.  Human somatic cells go through the 6 phases of mitosis in 1/2 to 1 1/2 hours, depending on the kind of tissue being duplicated.