Here's why:
* Somatic cells are all the cells in your body except for sperm and egg cells (gametes). They are diploid, meaning they have two sets of chromosomes (2N).
* Mitosis is a type of cell division that produces two daughter cells that are genetically identical to the parent cell.
* Before mitosis, the cell's DNA is replicated, doubling the number of chromosomes.
* During mitosis, the replicated chromosomes are separated and distributed equally to the two daughter cells.
* After mitosis, each daughter cell receives a complete set of chromosomes (2N), just like the parent cell.
Therefore, mitosis is the process that ensures the 2N chromosome number is maintained in somatic cells, allowing for growth and development to occur.
