Final answer:
DNA replication must occur before a cell can divide by mitosis to ensure that each daughter cell receives a complete copy of the genetic material from the parent cell.
Step-by-step explanation:
In order for a cell to divide by mitosis, DNA replication must occur. This is because DNA replication ensures that each daughter cell receives a complete copy of the genetic material from the parent cell. This process results in two identical chromosomes instead of just one. The replicated DNA is then divided into two complete sets during mitosis, ensuring that each cell has a complete set of genetic instructions.