What is the fundamental process by which genetic material is copied in all cells?

The fundamental process by which genetic material is copied in all cells is replication. This process involves the duplication of DNA, allowing each new cell to receive an exact copy of the genetic information during cell division. DNA replication is essential for growth, development, and maintenance of all living organisms because it ensures that genetic continuity is preserved.

During replication, the double helix structure of DNA unwinds and each strand serves as a template for the synthesis of a new complementary strand, resulting in two identical copies of the original DNA molecule. This precise mechanism is crucial for the transmission of genetic traits from one generation to the next.

Transcription, on the other hand, is the process where a segment of DNA is copied into RNA, which is important for protein synthesis but does not involve the copying of the entire genetic material. Translation refers to the synthesis of proteins based on the RNA sequence. Recombination involves the exchange of genetic material between different DNA molecules and plays a role in genetic diversity but is not the primary method of copying genetic material.

Thus, replication is the key mechanism by which cells ensure that their genetic material is accurately duplicated and passed on during cell division.