Final answer:
DNA must replicate to ensure each new daughter cell receives the correct genetic information during cell division, which is essential for the maintenance of all biological functions and genetic continuity. DNA has to replicate c. to ensure genetic continuity during cell division.
Step-by-step explanation:
This process is crucial because, during cell division, each new daughter cell must receive an exact copy of the DNA from the parent cell. Incorrect DNA replication can lead to mutations, which might result in malfunctioning proteins or even diseases. However, DNA replication is also the source of genetic variation, which is a key factor in evolution.
In the context of cellular function, DNA replication is a preparatory step for cell division. Without copying the DNA, the daughter cells wouldn't have a complete set of genetic instructions. These instructions, encoded within the DNA sequence, are necessary for the synthesis of proteins which, in turn, dictate the structure and function of the cell. The DNA sequence specifies the order of amino acids in these proteins during the processes of transcription and translation, which are the two primary steps in protein synthesis.
Genetic continuity is the primary reason DNA must replicate. Every time a cell undergoes division, it's essential that each resulting daughter cell inherits a DNA copy to maintain the organism's genetic integrity. This replication process ensures that all biological functions, regulated by the genetic code, can carry on seamlessly across generations of cells.