The scientific name for the process by which DNA is copied is DNA replication. During this complex process, the double helix structure of DNA unwinds, and each strand serves as a template for synthesizing a new complementary strand. The enzyme DNA polymerase synthesizes the new strands by adding nucleotides to match the sequence of the template strand. This process is crucial for cell division, allowing genetic information to be accurately transmitted to daughter cells during mitosis and meiosis. Proper DNA replication is vital for organismal development, growth, and maintenance of genetic integrity.