Chromosomes are essential for mitosis because they carry genetic information in the form of DNA. During mitosis, the genetic material replicates and the chromosomes condense to become more visible. The chromosomes then align and separate during cell division, ensuring that each new daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes. This process is crucial for maintaining the correct number of chromosomes in each daughter cell and for genetic stability. Without chromosomes, mitosis would not be able to properly distribute genetic information, potentially leading to errors, abnormalities, or cell death.
