Which phase is characterized by the replication of DNA?

Which phase is characterized by the replication of DNA?

• A. G2 phase
• B. G1 phase
• C. S phase
• D. Mitosis

Answer: (C)

DNA replication happens during the synthesis phase of the cell cycle. This phase is dedicated to copying the cell’s DNA so that each new cell receives an identical genome. During this time, the DNA is duplicated, producing sister chromatids that remain held together at the centromere until mitosis separates them later. In contrast, the G1 phase is mainly for growth and resource gathering, the G2 phase for final preparation and quality checks before division, and mitosis is the actual division of the nucleus and chromosomes. So, the phase characterized by DNA replication is the synthesis phase.

DNA replication happens during the synthesis phase of the cell cycle. This phase is dedicated to copying the cell’s DNA so that each new cell receives an identical genome. During this time, the DNA is duplicated, producing sister chromatids that remain held together at the centromere until mitosis separates them later. In contrast, the G1 phase is mainly for growth and resource gathering, the G2 phase for final preparation and quality checks before division, and mitosis is the actual division of the nucleus and chromosomes. So, the phase characterized by DNA replication is the synthesis phase.