The primary reason chromosomes or DNA duplicate themselves is that a cell needs to make a copy of its DNA so there is a second set of DNA to go into the new cell that's created during cell division. This process, known as DNA replication, ensures that each daughter cell receives an exact copy of the genetic material from the parent cell, maintaining the integrity of the organism’s genetic information across generations.
In summary, the correct rationale is that cells duplicate their DNA to prepare for cell division, ensuring that each new cell has the necessary instructions to perform its functions properly and maintain the organism's overall genetic consistency.