Why is DNA replication important?

DNA replication is crucial for the process of cell division, as it ensures that each new cell receives an exact copy of the parent cell's DNA. This is essential for maintaining genetic continuity across generations of cells. When a cell divides, whether through mitosis or meiosis, the replicated DNA is distributed so that each daughter cell inherits the same genetic information as the original cell. This fidelity in genetic material is vital for the proper functioning and growth of organisms, allowing them to maintain stable inheritance of traits.

While options like genetic variation, DNA repair, and protein synthesis are important biological processes, they are not the primary focus of DNA replication. Genetic variation typically arises from processes like mutation and recombination, DNA repair mechanisms act to fix damaged DNA rather than facilitate replication, and protein synthesis occurs after replication has taken place and is dependent on the information encoded within the replicated DNA. Thus, the main role of DNA replication is to ensure that each new cell retains a complete and identical set of genetic instructions.