What process involves copying DNA to produce chromatids before mitosis?

The process that involves copying DNA to produce chromatids before mitosis is known as replication. During replication, the double-stranded DNA molecule unwinds and separates into two single strands. Each strand then serves as a template for the synthesis of a new complementary strand, resulting in two identical DNA molecules. This is essential for cell division because each new cell must receive an exact copy of the genetic material.

Understanding replication is crucial as it ensures that when a cell undergoes mitosis, each daughter cell contains the same genetic information as the original cell. This process occurs during the S phase of the cell cycle, right before mitosis begins, allowing for the proper distribution of chromosomes into the daughter cells.

The other processes mentioned serve different purposes: translation is the process of synthesizing proteins from mRNA, transcription is about synthesizing RNA from a DNA template, and duplication, while it might imply a copying action, is not the specific term used to describe the DNA copying process in cell division. Thus, replication is the correct and specific term applicable in this context.