What is the process called that involves the unzipping and replication of DNA?

The process that involves the unzipping and replication of DNA is known as DNA replication. During this process, the double-stranded DNA molecule unwinds and separates into two strands. This separation creates templates for the synthesis of new complementary strands. DNA polymerase plays a crucial role in adding nucleotides to the growing strand, ensuring that the sequence of the new DNA is complementary to the template strand. As a result, two identical copies of the original DNA are produced, which is essential for cell division and the maintenance of genetic information. This mechanism is vital for growth, development, and repair in living organisms.

In contrast, transcription involves synthesizing RNA from a DNA template, while translation refers to the process of assembling proteins based on the mRNA sequence. Mutation is a change in the nucleotide sequence of DNA, which can lead to variations in traits or diseases but does not directly involve the process of copying DNA itself.