It's important for chromosomes to be copied before cell division for a very simple, but crucial reason: to ensure that each new cell receives a complete set of genetic information.

Here's why:

* Genetic Continuity: Chromosomes contain our DNA, which holds the instructions for building and maintaining an organism. Without a complete copy of the DNA, the new cells would be missing vital information and wouldn't be able to function properly.

* Equal Distribution: During cell division, the duplicated chromosomes are carefully separated so that each daughter cell gets an identical set. This ensures that both new cells have all the genetic instructions they need to grow and develop.

Think of it like this: Imagine you're building a house. You need a complete set of blueprints (your DNA) to ensure everything is built correctly. Before you start building another house, you need to make a copy of the blueprints so both houses can be built accurately.

That's exactly what happens with chromosomes during cell division!