Biology – 2.1 Cell structure | e-Consult

The statement is partially correct. It is true that new cells are produced by the division of existing cells. However, the term "cleavage" is not the standard term used to describe this process in general. Cleavage specifically refers to the rapid cell division that occurs in the early stages of embryonic development, after fertilization.

While cleavage *is* a form of cell division where existing cells divide to create more cells, it's a specific type of division that happens *after* a single-celled zygote has been formed. The general term for cell division throughout an organism's life is either mitosis or meiosis, depending on the type of cell and its function. Therefore, while cleavage is a division of existing cells, it's not the overarching term for all cell division.