AP BIOLOGY

CELL DIVISION

THE CELL CYCLE

Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
Before cells can divide, what happens to the DNA?
A
It is replicated
B
It increases in size
C
It is divided in half
D
It decreases in size
Explanation: 

Detailed explanation-1: -Although cell growth is usually a continuous process, DNA is synthesized during only one phase of the cell cycle, and the replicated chromosomes are then distributed to daughter nuclei by a complex series of events preceding cell division.

Detailed explanation-2: -DNA replication is the process by which the genome’s DNA is copied in cells. Before a cell divides, it must first copy (or replicate) its entire genome so that each resulting daughter cell ends up with its own complete genome.

Detailed explanation-3: -DNA replication is the process by which a double-stranded DNA molecule is copied to produce two identical DNA molecules. Replication is an essential process because, whenever a cell divides, the two new daughter cells must contain the same genetic information, or DNA, as the parent cell.

Detailed explanation-4: -Before replication can occur, the length of the DNA double helix about to be copied must be unwound. In addition, the two strands must be separated, much like the two sides of a zipper, by breaking the weak hydrogen bonds that link the paired bases.

Detailed explanation-5: -Before a cell divides, its entire genetic information is replicated: An identical copy of each chromosome is made. The strands of DNA become more tightly packed into a condensed form and can be seen under a microscope. Each original DNA strand and its copy remain attached to each other in one place.

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