What is the main purpose of mitosis in cell division?

The main purpose of mitosis in cell division is to create two daughter cells that are genetically identical to the original parent cell. Mitosis is the process by which the nucleus of a cell divides, ensuring that each new daughter cell receives an exact copy of the cell's genetic material. This is crucial for growth, tissue repair, and asexual reproduction in organisms. By the end of mitosis, the chromosomes are aligned, separated, and moved into two distinct nuclei, allowing for the equitable distribution of genetic material.

While replicating chromosomes is an essential step that occurs before mitosis during the S phase of interphase, it is not the purpose of mitosis itself. Cytokinesis, which is the division of the cytoplasm that follows mitosis, is also a key part of the overall cell division process but not the primary goal of mitosis alone. Lastly, mitosis does not serve to terminate interphase; rather, interphase is a preparatory stage that enables the cell to grow and replicate its DNA before the actual division occurs.