What is the process of copying DNA prior to cell division called?

The process of copying DNA prior to cell division is known as replication. This is a crucial step in the cell cycle, allowing each daughter cell to receive an accurate and complete set of genetic information. During replication, the DNA helix unwinds, and the two strands are separated. Each strand then serves as a template for synthesizing a new complementary strand, resulting in two identical DNA molecules.

This mechanism ensures that when a cell divides, the genetic blueprint is preserved and passed on to the next generation of cells, maintaining the integrity of the organism's genetic information.

Transcription refers to the process of converting DNA into RNA, which is a different function that occurs when the cell needs to synthesize proteins. Translation is the subsequent step where the RNA sequence is used to build proteins. Mutation refers to any changes in the DNA sequence itself, which can occur during replication but is not a process itself of copying DNA.