Final answer:
Stem cell division is essential for embryonic development and the maintenance of tissues in adult organisms, as it produces specialized cells from stem cells through repeated divisions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Stem cell division is a vital process by which a single stem cell divides into two daughter cells. This process is crucial for embryonic development, as repeated cell divisions transform a fertilized egg into a fully developed embryo. Moreover, stem cell division plays a key role in adult organisms for the maintenance and repair of tissues. Stem cells can be categorized and differentiated into specialized cell types, perpetuating the life cycle of cells and enabling the growth and replenishment of various tissues.
There are two essential reasons why cells must divide: firstly, for an embryo to develop from a single fertilized egg through a hierarchical system of stem cell specialization and division; and secondly, to replace damaged or worn-out cells in an organism, ensuring continued health and function of bodily tissues.