Replicating DNA is fragile, and can break during the duplication process. In fact, broken chromosomes are often the source of DNA rearrangements and can change the genetic program of a cell. These changes can trigger a growth advantage in a single cell in your body, and when that cell continues to divide, tumors arise. Fortunately, our cells have defense mechanisms to shield us from these damaging events.
Technology has helped biologists gain a better undertsanding of life by providing advanced scientific equipment, which can be used for a variety of things, such as viewing the process of mitosis.
