Which process involves the manipulation of DNA in molecular biology?

The process that involves the manipulation of DNA in molecular biology is gene cloning. Gene cloning is a laboratory technique used to create copies of a specific gene or DNA sequence. This is accomplished by isolating the desired DNA fragment and inserting it into a vector, such as a plasmid, which can then be introduced into a host cell where it can replicate and produce multiple copies of the gene. This technique is fundamental in biotechnology for applications such as producing recombinant proteins, studying gene function, and generating genetically modified organisms.

In contrast, DNA replication is the natural process by which a cell duplicates its DNA during cell division, which doesn’t involve direct manipulation in a laboratory context. Protein synthesis refers to the process of translating the genetic code into proteins, which is essential for cellular function but doesn’t focus on manipulating DNA itself. Cell division encompasses the larger process of cell replication, including all cellular components, rather than specifically addressing the manipulation of DNA.