Which of the following cell processes occurs during the PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) process?

• A. Transcription
• B. Cell division
• C. Translation
• D. DNA replication

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the context of the question: PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) is a laboratory technique used to amplify DNA sequences, mimicking the natural process of DNA replication but outside of a living cell.
2. Recall the key steps of DNA replication: DNA replication involves the unwinding of the double helix, the pairing of complementary nucleotides, and the synthesis of a new strand using DNA polymerase.
3. Relate PCR to DNA replication: During PCR, the DNA template is denatured (heated to separate strands), primers anneal to the target sequence, and DNA polymerase synthesizes new DNA strands by adding nucleotides complementary to the template strand.
4. Eliminate incorrect options: Transcription refers to the synthesis of RNA from a DNA template, translation refers to protein synthesis from mRNA, and cell division involves the splitting of a cell into two daughter cells. None of these processes occur during PCR.
5. Conclude that DNA replication is the correct answer because PCR specifically mimics the process of DNA replication to amplify DNA sequences in vitro.