Consider the following statements: 1. DNA replication takes place when chromatin is opened up. 2. Chromatin organises itself into rod-shaped chromosomes before cell division. 3. Both prokaryotes and eukaryotes have the same process for cell division. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

DNA replication occurs during the S phase of interphase when chromatin is decondensed (opened up), allowing replication machinery access to the DNA — Statement 1 is correct. Before cell division, chromatin condenses and organises into rod-shaped chromosomes that become visible in mitosis/meiosis — Statement 2 is correct. However, prokaryotes divide by binary fission (a simpler process without spindle formation or distinct mitotic phases) whereas eukaryotes divide by mitosis/meiosis involving spindle apparatus and condensed chromosomes; the processes are not the same — Statement 3 is incorrect. Hence only 1 and 2 are correct.