DNA replication occurs

Options

A. During meiosis
B. Before meiosis
C. After meiosis
D. During mitosis

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Cell Division**: Cell division is the process by which a single cell divides to form two daughter cells. There are two main types of cell division: mitosis and meiosis.

2. **Types of Cell Division**:
- **Mitosis**: This is an equational division where a diploid parent cell divides to produce two diploid daughter cells.
- **Meiosis**: This is a reductional division that occurs in reproductive cells (like gametes) where a diploid parent cell produces haploid daughter cells.

3. **Cell Cycle Overview**: The cell cycle consists of a series of events that lead to cell growth and division. It is divided into two main phases:
- **Interphase**: This phase includes G1 (Gap 1), S (Synthesis), and G2 (Gap 2) phases.
- **M Phase**: This is the phase where actual cell division occurs (mitosis or meiosis).

4. **Role of the S Phase**: During the S phase of interphase, DNA replication occurs. This is crucial because the cell needs to duplicate its genetic material before it divides.

5. **Meiosis Process**: Meiosis consists of two stages:
- **Meiosis I**: This is the reductional division where the chromosome number is halved.
- **Meiosis II**: This stage is similar to mitosis and does not involve further DNA replication.

6. **When Does DNA Replication Occur?**: DNA replication occurs before meiosis during the S phase of interphase. This means that the genetic material is replicated before the meiotic division begins.

7. **Conclusion**: Based on the understanding of the cell cycle and the processes of mitosis and meiosis, we can conclude that DNA replication occurs **before meiosis**.

**Final Answer**: DNA replication occurs **before meiosis**.

---