What is the basis of all processes that link phases of the life cycle?

The basis of all processes that link phases of the life cycle is cell division. Cell division is essential for growth, development, and reproduction; it enables organisms to grow from a single cell into a complex multicellular entity.

In unicellular organisms, cell division is the primary means of reproduction, whereas in multicellular organisms, it allows organismal growth as well as the replacement of damaged or dead cells. Furthermore, cell division is crucial during the life cycle stage of reproduction, where meiosis produces gametes that will later undergo fertilization to form a zygote.

This process is central to the continuity of life, helping to transmit genetic information from one generation to the next. Without cell division, life as we understand it could not exist, as it underpins the transition through various life stages and forms the foundation for the interplay of biological processes that sustain organisms.