What is DNA replication?

DNA replication is a fundamental biological process where a cell makes an exact copy of its DNA. This process is crucial for cell division, allowing genetic information to be accurately transferred to daughter cells. During replication, the double helix structure of DNA unwinds, and each strand serves as a template for synthesizing a new complementary strand. Enzymes such as DNA polymerase play a key role in adding the appropriate nucleotides to build the new strands, ensuring that the genetic information is preserved.

In this context, the other options relate to different processes in molecular biology. The copying of RNA refers to transcription, while decoding protein involves translation. Synthesizing mRNA also pertains to transcription, making the correct understanding of DNA replication vital to comprehending how genetic information is passed on during cell division.