What is a primary function of mitogens?

Mitogens are substances that trigger cellular division, specifically by promoting the transition of cells from the resting phase (G0) into the cell cycle, leading to mitosis and cell proliferation. These signals are crucial in various biological processes, including growth, tissue repair, and immune responses.

When mitogens bind to specific receptors on the cell surface, they activate signal transduction pathways that culminate in the expression of genes necessary for cell cycle progression. This activity underscores their primary role in stimulating cell division, which is essential for tissue growth and maintaining homeostasis within the organism.

The other choices pertain to different cellular processes: while protein degradation, apoptosis, and DNA replication are significant cellular activities, they are not the principal role of mitogens. Thus, the function of mitogens centers around promoting cell division.