Why do cells divide and how do they do this?

Cells need to divide in order for an organism to grow. Cells can become damaged with time and so need a way to regenerate and produce new cells. There are certain stages throughout the process of cell division which make up the cell cycle. Firstly the cell grows and the DNA needs to replicate itself. This occurs through the single strand of DNA making an exact copy of itself meaning there are 2 of each chromosome. The nuclear membrane then breaks down so that the chromosome strands are able to line up down the centre of the cell. 

The chromosome strands are then pulled to each side of the cell and the cell begins to separate. The cytoplasm and cell membrane break apart and 2 cells are formed. This is a highly efficient process to ensure that the cell can transfer the necessary information from its DNA without any damage in order to promote growth. 

In order for a cell to be able to divide successfully the DNA within the cell needs to replicate itself.