Why does TBR say that DNA is capable of "self-replicating"?

[Monkeymaniac]

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TBR has a following passage question.

DNA is the carrier of genetic information during cell growth and division. Which of the following characteristics of DNA is NOT essential for the accurate transmission of this information?
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B. A mechanism for self-replication
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For the question above, B isn't the answer so it is suggested that self-replication is a characteristic of DNA.

Isn't DNA replicated by DNAP along with other proteins during interphase, which is in turn triggered by many factors? The word self-replication suggests as if DNA can itself recruit deoxyribonucleotides and literally start making a copy of itself. So what exactly the self-replication mean?

 

[unhappytnt]

I think by "self-replication" it merely refers to DNA's ability to replicate; it doesn't necessarily imply that the DNA doesn't require the help of proteins and enzymes during the process.

 

[echolalia16]

Don't worry, the real MCAT isn't worded this poorly.