Which process involves creating an identical copy of DNA using existing DNA as a template?

The process of creating an identical copy of DNA using existing DNA as a template is known as replication. During DNA replication, the double helix structure of the DNA unwinds, and each strand serves as a template for the synthesis of a new complementary strand. This process is essential for cell division, ensuring that each new cell receives an exact copy of the DNA.

In replication, enzymes called DNA polymerases play a crucial role by adding nucleotides to the growing strand, pairing them with the corresponding bases on the template strand—adenine with thymine, and cytosine with guanine. This fidelity ensures the preservation of genetic information across generations of cells.

The other processes mentioned—transcription, translation, and crossing-over—serve different functions in cellular biology. Transcription is the process by which messenger RNA (mRNA) is synthesized from a DNA template, translating the genetic code into a form that can be used for protein synthesis. Translation, on the other hand, refers to the process where ribosomes synthesize proteins based on the sequence of the mRNA. Crossing-over occurs during meiosis, where homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material, contributing to genetic diversity but not involving the creation of identical copies of DNA.

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