Which of the following best describes DNA replication?

DNA replication is fundamentally the process of making an exact copy of a DNA molecule. This process is essential for cell division and occurs during the S-phase of the cell cycle, ensuring that each daughter cell receives an identical set of DNA, which is crucial for maintaining genetic continuity.

During DNA replication, the double helix structure of DNA unwinds, and each strand serves as a template for the formation of a new complementary strand. Enzymes called DNA polymerases add nucleotides to the growing DNA strands, pairing adenine with thymine and cytosine with guanine, thus ensuring the accuracy of the new DNA molecules.

RNA synthesis and the process of creating RNA from a DNA template describe transcription, which is distinct from replication. Similarly, synthesizing proteins from genetic code pertains to translation, which occurs after transcription, when the RNA is translated into proteins. Therefore, understanding that DNA replication specifically involves copying the DNA itself is vital in recognizing its unique role in cellular processes.