Here's why:
* Growth: Mitosis is essential for multicellular organisms to grow. As an organism develops, its cells need to divide to increase the number of cells and thus the size of the organism.
* Repair: When tissues are damaged, mitosis is crucial for replacing lost or damaged cells. This ensures that the organism can heal and maintain its structure and function.
Other factors can also trigger mitosis:
* Cell Cycle Control: Internal checkpoints in the cell cycle ensure that conditions are favorable for division before proceeding to mitosis.
* Hormonal Signals: Certain hormones can stimulate cell division, such as growth hormone.
* Environmental Factors: External factors like nutrient availability can influence cell division.
In summary, the need for growth and repair is a key driver of mitosis.