What is the primary function of mitosis in cell division?

The primary function of mitosis in cell division is to produce two daughter nuclei that are genetically identical to the original nucleus, each containing the same number of chromosomes. This process is crucial for growth, tissue repair, and asexual reproduction in organisms. In somatic cells, mitosis ensures that the daughter cells maintain the same diploid chromosome number as the parent cell, allowing for proper function and continuity of genetic information across generations of cells.

Mitosis is characterized by a series of stages—prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase—that facilitate the accurate segregation of duplicated chromosomes. This ensures that when a cell divides, each daughter cell receives an exact copy of the genetic material, preserving the organism's genetic integrity.

Other processes, like meiosis, are involved in producing gametes and creating genetic diversity, which are not functions of mitosis. Additionally, mitosis does not serve to decrease the overall chromosome number; instead, it maintains the chromosome count, contributing to cellular stability and normal development.