During cell replication, which material is duplicated by polymerase enzymes?

During cell replication, the primary role of polymerase enzymes, specifically DNA polymerases, is to duplicate DNA. This process is vital for cell division, ensuring that each new cell receives an exact copy of the organism's genetic information. Polymerase enzymes facilitate the synthesis of new DNA strands by adding nucleotides complementary to the template strand, effectively producing two identical double helices from one original molecule.

In contrast, water does not undergo duplication, as it is a solvent and does not play a role in genetic material replication. Proteins are synthesized through a different process involving RNA and ribosomes, but they are not duplicated directly by polymerase enzymes during cell replication. RNA can also be transcribed from DNA, but during cell replication specifically, it is the DNA that is being duplicated. Therefore, the focus on DNA as the target of polymerase enzymes in this context is the key factor that confirms the correct answer.