What is the process called by which DNA makes a copy of itself?

The correct process by which DNA makes a copy of itself is known as DNA replication. This is a vital biological process that occurs before a cell divides, ensuring that each new cell receives an exact copy of the DNA from the parent cell. During DNA replication, the double helix unwinds, and each strand serves as a template for the formation of a new complementary strand, resulting in two identical DNA molecules.

Transcription refers to the process where DNA is used as a template to synthesize RNA, an essential step in gene expression, but it does not involve making copies of DNA itself. Translation is the process of synthesizing proteins from an RNA template. Cell division is a broader term that encompasses the overall process of a cell splitting into two daughter cells, which includes DNA replication as one of the preparatory steps. However, it does not specifically refer to the copying of DNA.