What is the process of making an exact copy of the DNA prior to cell division?

What is the process of making an exact copy of the DNA prior to cell division?

• A. DNA Transcription
• B. DNA Replication
• C. DNA Duplication
• D. DNA Sequencing

Answer: (B)

DNA replication is the process by which a cell makes an exact copy of its DNA before cell division. The double helix unwinds, and each original strand serves as a template for a new complementary strand, producing two identical DNA molecules. This semi-conservative mechanism means each new molecule contains one old strand and one newly synthesized strand. Enzymes like helicase unwind the DNA, DNA polymerase adds nucleotides to build the new strands, primers start the synthesis, and ligase seals gaps on the lagging strand. Transcription would make RNA from DNA, not a DNA copy; DNA sequencing reads the order of bases rather than copying the genome; and DNA duplication is not the standard term for this copying process.

DNA replication is the process by which a cell makes an exact copy of its DNA before cell division. The double helix unwinds, and each original strand serves as a template for a new complementary strand, producing two identical DNA molecules. This semi-conservative mechanism means each new molecule contains one old strand and one newly synthesized strand. Enzymes like helicase unwind the DNA, DNA polymerase adds nucleotides to build the new strands, primers start the synthesis, and ligase seals gaps on the lagging strand. Transcription would make RNA from DNA, not a DNA copy; DNA sequencing reads the order of bases rather than copying the genome; and DNA duplication is not the standard term for this copying process.