Final answer:
The process of copying DNA to create an identical DNA double helix is known as DNA replication, involving enzymes like DNA helicase and DNA polymerase. This semi-conservative process is essential for cell division and conserves half of the parent DNA molecule in each daughter molecule. The correct option for the student's question is c. replication.
Step-by-step explanation:
DNA Replication Process
The process of copying the DNA to make an identical DNA double helix is known as DNA replication. This involves unwinding the two strands of the parent DNA molecule, and then copying each strand to synthesize complementary strands. The enzyme DNA helicase breaks the bonds between complementary bases in DNA, which allows DNA polymerase to 'read' the exposed bases and synthesize new strands. This results in two daughter DNA molecules that each contains one strand from the parent molecule and one new complementary strand, making the daughter molecules identical to the parent DNA molecule. DNA replication is a semi-conservative process because it conserves half of the parent DNA molecule in each daughter DNA molecule. This process occurs during the S phase of the eukaryotic cell cycle and is essential for cell division.
Other DNA Processes: Transcription and Translation
Transcription is the process where parts of the DNA sequence are copied into RNA (mRNA). However, translation refers to the process where the mRNA is used to synthesize proteins. These processes are distinct from the replication of DNA.
The correct option for the process of copying the DNA to make an identical DNA double helix is c. replication.