When a chromosome is duplicated, what happens to that segment of DNA?

When a chromosome is duplicated, the entire segment of DNA is replicated. This process ensures that each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes during cell division. DNA replication involves unwinding the double helix structure and synthesizing new strands to complement the original strands, effectively creating two identical copies of the original chromosome. This replication is crucial for maintaining the genetic consistency across generations of cells, allowing for proper cellular function and organismal development.

In this context, deletion or fragmentation of the DNA segment would result in a loss of genetic material or incomplete chromosomes, which could lead to mutations or genetic disorders. Leaving the segment unchanged does not align with the process of duplication, where active synthesis and replication are involved. Thus, the correct understanding of what occurs during chromosome duplication highlights the importance of replication in preserving genetic information.