Final answer:
DNA replication must occur before cell division, not after. Hence, the statement is false.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement 'In all living things, DNA replication must occur after cell division' is false. DNA replication is a crucial process that must happen before cell division. This ensures that each of the new daughter cells receives an identical copy of the parent cell's DNA.
DNA replication occurs during the S phase of the cell cycle, before mitosis or meiosis. Just before a cell divides, its DNA is replicated, resulting in two identical sets of chromosomes. This replication is vital because when the cell divides, it ensures that each daughter cell has its own complete set of DNA instructions.
If cell division were to occur without proper DNA replication or if the replication were incomplete, the resulting daughter cells would lack the full genetic information required to function normally. This could lead to severe defects or cell death.
It is important to note that in some specialized cells, such as nerve and muscle cells, division is rare or even absent, but even in those cells, any division that does occur must be preceded by DNA replication.