Quick Scoop Before mitosis begins, a cell first makes an exact copy of its DNA so that each new cell will have the same genetic information. The term used to describe this important biological process is DNA replication.

🧬 What Is DNA Replication?

DNA replication is the process by which a cell duplicates its DNA molecule before cell division. This ensures that each daughter cell receives a full set of genetic instructions. During replication:

  • The double helix structure of DNA “unzips” as the hydrogen bonds between base pairs break.
  • Each original strand serves as a template for a new strand.
  • Enzymes like DNA helicase and DNA polymerase play a major role—one unwinds the strands, while the other builds new complementary strands.

This process happens during the S phase (synthesis phase) of the cell cycle , which comes before mitosis.

🧠 Quick Facts:

  • Purpose: To ensure genetic consistency across all cells.
  • Location: Occurs in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells.
  • Result: Two identical DNA molecules, each with one old and one new strand (known as semi-conservative replication).

Answer: ✅ The process is called DNA replication. Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.