Humber Admissions Practice Test

What is the process by which a cell duplicates its DNA?

1. Transcription

2. Translation

3. Replication

4. Gene expression

The correct answer is: Replication

The process by which a cell duplicates its DNA is known as replication. This crucial step ensures that when a cell divides, it can pass on an identical set of genetic information to the daughter cells. During replication, the double helix structure of the DNA unwinds, and each strand serves as a template for creating a new complementary strand. DNA polymerase and other enzymes play vital roles in this process by adding nucleotides to form the new strands, ensuring fidelity and accuracy in copying the genetic material. Transcription, on the other hand, involves synthesizing RNA from a DNA template, which is a different process altogether that leads to the formation of messenger RNA (mRNA). Translation refers to the process by which the information encoded in mRNA is used to synthesize proteins, while gene expression encompasses both the processes of transcription and translation, serving to regulate which proteins are produced in a cell. Understanding these distinctions is essential for grasping fundamental concepts in molecular biology.