Final answer:
DNA replication is a process that occurs before cell division to ensure that daughter cells are genetically identical to the parent cell. Each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes, with eukaryotic cells undergoing mitosis and prokaryotic cells undergoing binary fission. In the case of sexual reproduction, meiosis produces haploid cells for fertilization.Thus the correct option c.
Step-by-step explanation:
DNA replication ensures that the daughter cells are genetically identical to the parent cells. When a cell divides, its DNA is copied in a process known as DNA replication. This results in two identical sets of chromosomes, one for each daughter cell, thereby ensuring that they have the complete set of genetic information necessary for their survival and function.
In the case of eukaryotic cells, before a cell goes through mitosis, its DNA is replicated, and each chromosome forms two identical sister chromatids. This is necessary so that after cell division, each daughter cell inherits a complete set of chromosomes. In prokaryotic cells, such as bacteria, the genome consists of a single, circular DNA chromosome, and cell division occurs through a simpler process known as binary fission, which also results in genetically identical daughter cells.
During sexual reproduction, meiosis occurs to produce haploid cells that can fuse during fertilization. Before meiosis, DNA is replicated so that chromosomes can arrange and separate properly into the daughter cells. The result of meiosis is four daughter cells, each with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell, which is essential for genetic diversity in sexually reproducing organisms.