Which term refers to the pattern of growth and division that occurs in eukaryotic cells?

The term that refers to the pattern of growth and division in eukaryotic cells is the cell cycle. The cell cycle encompasses a series of stages that a cell goes through as it grows and divides. This cycle includes phases such as interphase, where the cell prepares for division by growing and replicating its DNA, followed by mitosis and cytokinesis, which are the actual processes of division.

During interphase, the cell is not just resting; it actively grows and fulfills its specialized functions. Mitosis is the stage where the cell's chromosomes are separated into two new nuclei, ensuring that each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes. Cytokinesis is the final step, where the cell's cytoplasm divides, completing the formation of two new cells.

Understanding the cell cycle is crucial for studying cell reproduction, growth regulation, and development, as well as its implications in cancer and other diseases where this cycle may be disrupted. In contrast, the other terms (cell division, chromatin organization, and gene expression) relate to specific aspects of cell function or structure rather than the overall growth and division pattern of eukaryotic cells.