What is DNA replication?

DNA replication refers to the specific process by which a cell copies its DNA prior to cell division. This is a crucial step in the cell cycle, ensuring that each new cell receives an exact copy of the genetic material. During replication, the double-stranded DNA molecule unwinds and separates into two strands, each serving as a template for the formation of a new complementary strand. This results in two identical DNA molecules, which are distributed to the daughter cells upon cell division.

The other options, while related to biological processes, do not accurately describe DNA replication. Cell division pertains to the overall process of a cell splitting into two, which includes but is not limited to the replication of DNA. Protein synthesis involves the translation of genetic information from DNA to produce proteins, and cell metabolism encompasses the biochemical processes that occur within a living cell to maintain life, neither of which specifically defines the act of DNA replication.