Upon completion of DNA replication, the cell is ready to begin which process?

• A. Transcription
• B. Protein Synthesis
• C. Metabolic activity
• D. Cell Division

Answer: (D)

DNA replication duplicates the genome so that each daughter cell can receive a complete set of genetic instructions. Once replication is complete, the cell proceeds to divide, separating the identical copies into two daughter cells during the process of cell division (mitosis followed by cytokinesis). Checkpoints in the cell cycle ensure replication is finished and intact before mitosis begins, so division only starts after replication is successfully completed.

Transcription and protein synthesis, on the other hand, occur throughout interphase and are ongoing processes, not the next step that follows replication specifically. Metabolic activity is also continuous. The act of cell division is the step that directly follows completed DNA replication.