What is the S phase (synthesis) primarily characterized by?

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Multiple Choice

What is the S phase (synthesis) primarily characterized by?

Explanation:
The S phase is defined by DNA replication. In this phase the cell copies its entire genome, producing two identical sister chromatids for each chromosome that remain joined at the centromere until mitosis. This duplication is semiconservative, with new DNA strands grown at replication forks by DNA polymerases using the old strands as templates. While other processes like protein synthesis occur throughout the cycle, and spindle formation or the start of division happen during mitosis (M phase), the hallmark of S phase is the accurate duplication of genetic material so each daughter cell can receive a complete set of chromosomes.

The S phase is defined by DNA replication. In this phase the cell copies its entire genome, producing two identical sister chromatids for each chromosome that remain joined at the centromere until mitosis. This duplication is semiconservative, with new DNA strands grown at replication forks by DNA polymerases using the old strands as templates. While other processes like protein synthesis occur throughout the cycle, and spindle formation or the start of division happen during mitosis (M phase), the hallmark of S phase is the accurate duplication of genetic material so each daughter cell can receive a complete set of chromosomes.

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